Skin Cancer

A warm, sunny day is perfect for outdoor activity and lifting your spirits. Unfortunately, fun in the sun is not always kind to the skin. Over time, sun damage causes fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, large pores, rough texture, broken capillaries, and, worst of all, dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. At Capital Laser & Skin Care, we take sun damage and the risk of skin cancer very seriously. It is important to us that our patients are checked for skin cancer before we set forth on a path to help improve the appearance of their skin.

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Learn More About Skin Cancer

Skin growths and spots are normal. Most people have a scattering of moles or freckles, and growths like skin tags are also common. But sometimes, abnormal cells grow in the skin, and a new spot or growth is a cause for concern.

Since there are multiple types of skin cancer, the symptoms can vary, but it typically starts as a change in your skin. This could be a new growth or an existing one that starts changing. Symptoms of skin cancer include:

  • New or changing mole
  • A pearly, waxy, or discolored bump
  • Discolored patches or areas that look like scars
  • Crusty, depressed sores
  • Wounds or scaly lesions that don’t heal

Skin cancer can appear in several ways and can easily be mistaken for a benign condition like hyperpigmentation. That’s why it’s essential to have regular screenings and have a medical professional evaluate concerning areas.

There are several types of skin cancer. They most commonly form on skin areas exposed to the sun, like the face and arms, but can appear anywhere on the body. People of all skin tones can develop skin cancer. The three most common kinds of skin cancer are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma

Basal and squamous cell carcinoma most often forms on sun-exposed skin, though people with darker complexions are more likely to form squamous cell carcinoma on areas that aren’t exposed. These skin cancer types may appear as a pearly bump, a crusty, scar-like lesion, a red nodule, or a sore that keeps returning. 

Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, can occur anywhere in the body. It typically appears as a large brown spot, changing or irregular moles, or a painful lesion.

Though anyone can get skin cancer, there are several factors that can increase your risk. Some of these are inevitable, such as having fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, and having lots of moles. However, sun exposure is a primary risk factor for skin cancer. UV radiation in sunlight damages DNA in your skin, which can make it age faster and cause mutations that lead to skin cancer.

One of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from sun damage, especially if you have light skin that’s prone to sunburn. Always wear high-quality sunscreen, even on cloudy days. You can also limit time in the sun and wear protective clothing.

After prevention, the next best thing you can do is ensure an early diagnosis. Skin cancer can almost always be cured if it’s caught early. That’s why Capital Laser & Skin Care prioritizes skin cancer screenings and patient education to help you prevent and catch skin cancer. With every new consultation, our dermatologists offer a complimentary screening to check for any signs of skin cancer. We like to teach patients how to do self-examination so they learn the warning signs of skin cancer on their own skin. Additionally, repeat skin exams are free when coming in for any of your regularly scheduled treatments.

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about our skin cancer screenings? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.

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