Did you know skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? Fortunately, your dermatologist is an expert at skin cancer detection and treatment. The dermatologists at Penstein Dermatology in New York, NY, offer a wide range of skincare services, including diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can be caused by a few factors, but the main cause is exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. This is usually caused by spending too much time in the sun without wearing sunscreen. Other causes of skin cancer include:
- Using tanning beds
- Skin exposure to chemicals or other harmful substances
- Genetic predisposition to developing skin cancer
Skin cancer starts in the top layer of your skin, where squamous cells are located. If cancer only affects the top layer of the skin, it’s known as squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin cancer can then travel into the deeper layers of skin where basal cells are located. This type of cancer is known as basal cell carcinoma.
A third type of skin cancer known as melanoma is much more serious and requires much more aggressive treatment.
You are at increased risk of developing skin cancer if you:
- Have fair skin and freckles
- Sunburn easily
- Have a family history of skin cancer
Early detection of skin cancer is critical to prevent the spread of cancer into deeper layers of your skin. That’s why regular visits to your dermatologist are an excellent idea, especially if you are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
You should also perform a self-check of your skin regularly, looking for moles that are:
- Large, with a diameter over 6 millimeters
- Irregular, with ragged, uneven borders
- Bleeding, itching, or oozing
Remember to always wear sunscreen with:
- An SPF of at least 15
- An SPF of at least 30 if you are outside for a long period of time
- An SPF of at least 50 if you are at high risk of developing skin cancer
Want To Know More?
To learn more about the causes, prevention, and treatment of skin cancer, call the dermatologists at Penstein Dermatology in New York, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (212) 517-5171 so call today.