The process of diagnosing skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States, can be practiced with monthly self-exams.
Including an annual visit to your doctor. Early research is important because when diagnosed at an early stage, skin cancer is almost always curable.
There are three main types of skin cancer, they all appear if you know what to look for. One of the major forms of skin cancer, melanoma is the most serious. Once the disease has spread throughout the body, it is most difficult to prevent, so early detection and treatment are important. Any type of skin cancer, usually in its early stages, can be successfully treated.
Individually, everyone has scars, birthmarks, and moles. They are a part of you and you are used to seeing them, but this time you will see no small change and that is what you need to see. Any change in the size, edges, shape, or color of the mole should be checked by a doctor. If the mole is larger than a pencil eraser or its color is brown instead of solid, both are signs of a possible risk of skin cancer. The border of the mole should be well defined and if it is no longer present, tell your doctor. Also, any wound that will not heal or a rapidly growing mole should be examined immediately.
The decision to seek medical help is a difficult one. For this reason, it is best to choose a therapist who is comfortable with you as a family doctor. He can examine your skin and refer you to a dermatologist if needed. The presence of skin cancer is diagnosed by removing all or part of the suspected area and examining it under a microscope. Surgery is used to remove skin cancer and, if used in the early stages, can be a very rapid process. There may be a scar, but doctors can completely remove all cancer cells with a small incision.
If cancer has spread to a defined area or is very large, additional surgery may be needed. In such cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be ordered to ensure that the cancer is completely eradicated. Your therapist will be able to answer any questions you may have and should be done without reservation. When visiting a doctor, ask for clarification about all treatment options, including the likelihood of success in your particular case. Deciding to seek medical help is a big step and the patient needs to be mentally prepared.
If you, or someone you know, are concerned about the possibility of cancer, you should seek medical help immediately. Once cancer is diagnosed, doctors can discuss various options, prevention, and treatment options. A series of tests can be done to confirm or refute such a diagnosis and can only be done by a doctor.
DISCLAIMER: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any kind of program or making any changes to your diet.
