Skin Cancer Screening

Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) typically occur in those 50 and older.

Your dermatology provider can detect a lesion that is suspicious for skin cancer. In most cases, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Yes, a dry patch of skin that is non-healing, can be a type of skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can look like a pimple, usually one that is present for long periods of time and does not heal.

Typically, lasers are not the first line treatment for treating skin cancers.

Skin cancers do not commonly go away without treatment.

If left untreated, skin cancer can be fatal.

Some types of skin cancers may appear and progress quickly, while others grow slowly.

Unfortunately yes, some people have skin cancers for years before they have them evaluated by their dermatology provider.

In some cases and for certain types of skin cancers, a person with skin cancer does see an oncologist.

Not all skin cancers are painful, but they can be.

There is no specific blood test to detect skin cancers.

Liberal and consistent use of sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin cancers. However, some skin cancers are relative to genetics or other environmental factors so sunscreen might not protect against all skin cancer.

If you’re concerned a spot is cancerous, it is recommended to consult with your dermatology provider.

It is one of the most common malignancies, affecting millions of people every year.

Skin cancer treatments vary greatly, therefore it is recommended that you consult with your dermatology provider about which treatment is right for you.

Through physical examination, your dermatology provider can detect a lesion that is suspicious for skin cancer. Many providers use a tool called a dermatoscope to help them further, and more accurately, evaluate any suspicious lesion. In most cases, a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Skin cancer treatments vary greatly, therefore it is recommended that you consult with your dermatology provider about which treatment is right for you.

Skin cancers can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, and environmental exposures, specifically to UV radiation from the sun and/or tanning beds. Damage from these things can cause changes in the skin, leading to skin cancer.

Some types of skin cancers may appear and progress quickly, while others grow slowly.

Liberal and consistent use of sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin cancers. However some skin cancers are relative to genetics or other environmental factors so sunscreen might not protect against all skin cancer.

There is no specific time after a sunburn for a skin cancer to develop. Skin cancers can develop from the chronic and cumulative effect of sun damage over a person’s lifetime.

Skin cancer treatments vary greatly, therefore it is recommended that you consult with your dermatology provider about which treatment is right for you.

Skin cancer can present in many ways. It is best to consult with your dermatology provider if you have a spot that is concerning.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Other skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are termed “non melanoma skin cancer”.

In most cases, skin cancers should be treated by your dermatology provider.

Non melanoma skin cancers are not commonly fatal. Melanoma is not usually fatal, although the mortality rate is higher than that of non melanoma skin cancer.

Certain skin cancers can be fatal if left undetected.

Skin cancer treatments vary greatly, therefore it is recommended that you consult with your dermatology provider about which treatment is right for you.

Skin cancer can present in many ways. It is best to consult with your dermatology provider if you have a spot that is concerning.

Skin cancer can present in many ways. It is best to consult with your dermatology provider if you have a spot that is concerning.

Skin cancers can be found anywhere on the body, but more commonly on sun exposed areas of the face, arms and trunk

No. Liver problems do not contribute to melasma.

Classically, high progesterone levels have been seen in patients with melasma.

Melasma is usually a gradual process with darkening of the skin occurring over weeks to months.

Lack of sleep and stress can worsen the symptoms of melasma.

Yes, there are certain lasers which can improve the appearance of melasma.

Yes, topical vitamin C is an antioxidant which can be used in melasma treatment regimens.

Exfoliation can actually make melasma worse, especially if aggressive exfoliation is attempted. This causes inflammation in the skin and can worsen the condition. Light exfoliation, under the care of a dermatologist, may be attempted in some cases.

Yes, topical retinol can be used in the treatment of melasma.

Yes, vitamin C is an antioxidant which can be used in melasma treatment regimens.

Melasma can fade on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as a pregnancy or birth control pills, causes the melasma. When a woman delivers her baby or stops taking birth control pills, melasma can resolve. However, some people have melasma without a known trigger and can struggle with it for many years, or even a lifetime.

Mineral-based sunscreens can be used every morning to improve the appearance of melasma. Topical vitamin C can also be attempted.

Mineral-based sunscreens in the morning and topical retinol nightly can help treat melasma. These products are available over-the-counter.

The first step is correcting the underlying cause if there is one. Hormonal changes induced by pregnancy and birth control pills can cause melasma in many people. Delivering your baby or discontinuing birth control pills can help resolve melasma. It is advised to protect your skin from the sun as much as possible. There are various topical treatments , but it is best to see a dermatologist first before embarking on a treatment regimen.

There are various treatments for melasma, but it is best to see a dermatologist first before embarking on a treatment regimen.

Unfortunately, melasma can take months to years to resolve.

No, melasma is not the same as freckling.

No, melasma is not cancerous.

Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can be a driving factor in many cases of melasma. Pregnancy and birth control are the underlying cause in many cases.

Yes, it is important to see a dermatologist to confirm the correct diagnosis and to arrange a proper treatment regimen.

Yes, if left untreated, AKs can become SCC.

Yes, they can help to remove some of the thick layer of dead skin on the surface of these lesions.

In most cases, it is recommended that AKs are removed or treated to prevent the progression into SCC.

Yes, it can help to remove some of the thick layer of dead skin on the surface of these lesions. It can also help to thicken the skin and reverse some of the sun damage that is the precursor for AKs.

These lesions can look very similar, but most commonly seborrheic keratoses are brown with a “crusty” or “wartlike” appearance, where AKs are red with white scales. It is always recommended that you consult with your provider to determine the true nature of these lesions.

There are many ways to treat AKs, including cryotherapy, chemotherapy creams, various light and laser therapies, and chemical peels to name a few.

Limiting long term sun exposure is the key to preventing AKs- wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, sitting in the shade when possible. A good skin care routine is also helpful in reducing chronic sun damage.

AKs themselves are not overly dangerous, but if they evolve to Squamous Cell Carcinoma they can be. SCC, if left untreated, can spread deeper into the skin and to other parts of the body internally.

If your provider is certain a lesion is an AK, a biopsy is not usually necessary. He or she may recommend simply to treat the lesion. If they are uncertain if the lesion is already a SCC, then a biopsy is warranted.

Usually, they are red areas with a scale on top. Often they are mistaken for “dry skin” that doesn’t ever go away.

Consult with your provider as to the best treatment for you.

The cumulative effect of sun damage over a person’s life causes actinic keratosis.

AKs can be developed on any part of the skin, but are not contagious.

Yes, AKs can become squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Unfortunately, even with treatment, AKs can come back.

Hydrocortisone may help to smooth the lesions temporarily, but they are not an appropriate treatment for them.

Most AKs remain small, larger lesions tend to evolve into squamous cell carcinoma.

There are many ways to treat AKs, including cryotherapy, light therapy, laser therapy, chemotherapy cream, and chemical peels, to name a few.

AKs are usually diagnosed clinically by your dermatology provider.

AKs are not benign, but not malignant either. They are precancerous, meaning they have the potential to become malignant skin cancer.

No. If you are interested in the removal of seborrheic keratoses, it would be best to consult with your dermatology provider.

Actinic Keratoses look like red, rough, flaky spots. Often, it resembles “dry skin” that doesn’t go away.

If left untreated, AKs can progress to Squamous cell carcinoma.

The most effective treatment will depend upon the individual and the thickness of the AK. All treatment options should be discussed with your dermatology provider

There is a range of documented percentages, 5-15% is usually accepted.

No. salicylic acid is not a curative treatment for AKs.