Skin Cancer Specialist
-
- Tweet
Dermatology Consultants P.A.
Board Certified Dermatologist located in Hialeah, FL & Miramar, FL
Skin cancer affects more than 1 million Americans every year and is the most common type of cancer. In general, skin cancers are curable when caught early. If you have concerns about skin cancer or abnormal skin growth, Jose Mendez, DO, and the skin care experts at Dermatology Consultants P.A. can help. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Call one of the offices in Miramar or Hialeah, Florida, or make an appointment using the online booking tool today.
Skin Cancer
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that causes an abnormal growth of skin cells. The cancer most often occurs on the sun-exposed areas of your body, including the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands.
Every day, 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer. An early diagnosis and treatment increases your chances of a full recovery.
What are the types of skin cancer?
There are many types of skin cancer. However, the vast majority of skin cancers are composed of three types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
BCC
BCC is the most common and least aggressive type of skin cancer. It usually appears as a shiny or translucent pimple-like bump, which may progress into a nonhealing sore. BCC is often found on the face, scalp, or trunk of the body.
SCC
Squamous cells are found on the upper layer of the epidermis. SCC causes crusted or scaly patches of skin that have an inflamed, red base and may be tender to the touch.
You can develop SCC anywhere, including the inside of your mouth or your genitalia. However, skin cancer frequently appears on the scalp, face, ears, and back of hands.
SCC is more common in fair-skinned, middle-aged, or elderly individuals with a history of excessive sun exposure. Actinic keratosis, which is a precancerous skin lesion, also increases your risk of developing SCC.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and accounts for most skin-cancer related deaths. They can appear anywhere on the body and are detected when a skin lesion or mole changes color, shape, or size rapidly (within several months).
Melanoma affects all age groups and can be cured when treated during the early stages.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to prevent skin cancer. Dermatology Consultants P.A. recommends that you:
- Stay in the shade when appropriate
- Wear protective clothing
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher
- Use extra precaution near water, snow, and sand because they intensify the sun’s rays
- Avoid tanning beds
The team at Dermatology Consultants P.A. offers skin cancer screening to monitor your skin and removes any suspicious skin lesions that are found. The practice also performs Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal.
To schedule a consultation with the skin cancer experts, call Dermatology Consultants P.A. or request an appointment online today.
