Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, and catching it early can make a huge difference. The tricky part? The signs aren’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s just a spot, a subtle change, or something that feels slightly off. Don’t ignore an unusual mole or stubborn skin patch.
This guide helps you understand the importance of routine skin cancer screenings and when it’s time to get a check-up by your dermatologist.
Visit our dermatology specialists at Dermatology Associates of Central New Jersey in Old Bridge, Union, Toms River, or Freehold, New Jersey, to schedule a cancer screening.
Skin cancer is common, and it can spread to other areas of your body when left untreated.
Squamous and basal cell carcinomas are the most common skin cancers that begin in specific layers of your skin. Both are often curable.
Melanoma is usually the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it can spread to vital organs like the liver or brain.
Unprotected exposure to sunlamps, tanning beds, and the sun are risk factors for skin cancer. Other risks include aging, fair skin, a history of sunburns, many moles, and a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Here are five reasons to have your skin checked for cancer at Dermatology Associates of Central New Jersey.
If you notice a new mole (darkened skin spot), it’s helpful to see your dermatologist to rule out skin cancer. Most adults have 10-40 moles. If you have more than 50 moles, your chance of developing melanoma (the more dangerous skin cancer type) increases.
See your dermatologist if you notice a mole that changes in color, texture, size, and/or shape. These changes, as well as a mole that crusts, itches, or bleeds, could indicate cancerous tissue.
Moles aren’t the only signs of skin cancer. Cancer sometimes presents as a pearly or waxy bump, especially on your ears, face, or neck. See your dermatologist if you notice this sometimes subtle skin concern.
Visit with your dermatologist for any skin changes, especially newly discolored skin patches. For example, pink, red, gray, scaly, or brown bumps or patches — or an area of your skin that looks like a scar — could indicate skin cancer.
If you have a sore that’s depressed in the middle or a skin sore that’s crusty, bleeds often, doesn’t heal, or returns after healing, it could be a sign of skin cancer. Get this checked out as soon as you can.
It’s vital to see your dermatologist at the first sign of new or unusual skin changes, which is why routine screening is highly important.
It’s helpful to do a skin check at home and visit your dermatologist at least once a year for a skin cancer screening. Doing so helps detect any abnormal skin changes in the early stages when they’re easier to treat.
If you have skin cancer, Dermatology Associates of Central New Jersey offers Mohs surgery and other treatments to eliminate the cancerous tissues with minimal scarring.
Schedule skin cancer screening at Dermatology Associates of Central New Jersey by contacting our office by phone or booking a consultation online today.
