Skin Cancer

Skin cancer strikes 1 in 5 women, men, and children during their lifetime, making it the most common type of cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The team at Northshore Dermatology offers skin cancer screenings and treatments to keep your skin healthy and cancer free. You can choose the office nearest you with four locations in Slidell, Madisonville, Hammond, Louisiana, and Picayune, Mississippi. If you have a changing mole or new lesion, call the office to schedule a consultation, or request one online today.

What causes skin cancer?

Sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays causes most cases of skin cancer, but other cases are genetic.

Skin cancer can appear on areas of your body that never get exposed to the sun, including your genitals and the soles of your feet, which is why regular skin cancer screenings are so important to your health.

What types of skin cancer are there?

During your yearly skin cancer screening, the team looks for all types of precancerous and skin cancer lesions, such as actinic keratosis. The primary forms of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer; it looks like a bump or patch of skin that’s pink or flesh-colored.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is a sore that won’t heal or keeps recurring; it may look like a red bump or scaly patch. 

Melanoma

The most malignant form of skin cancer; appears as a dark spot or evolves from a pre-existing mole. This type is aggressive, so early detection is important.

If the team identifies a precancerous or cancerous lesion on your skin, they remove it immediately.

What happens during a skin cancer screening?

During your screening, the team examines your entire body and also checks areas that may be hard for you to see, such as:

• Between fingers and toes
• Palms of hands
• Soles of feet
• Scalp
• Behind ears
• Between buttocks
• Genitals

You should get a skin cancer screening every year, especially if you have used a tanning bed. 

Can I check for skin cancer myself?

Skin cancer signs can be subtle. Perform regular skin checks at home, taking note of any apparent changes. Every month check your moles for the ABCDE signs:

• A — Asymmetry
• B — Ragged or notched borders  
• C — Dark brown, black, red, or varied colors 
• D — Diameter bigger than a pencil eraser  
• E — Shape, size, color, or texture that evolves

Contact Northshore Dermatology immediately if you notice any of the ABCDE signs in an old or new mole or if you have a mole or lesion that bleeds or oozes. The team treats skin cancer by removing the lesion using Mohs surgery.

Regular skin cancer screenings at Northshore Dermatology can save your life. Schedule your appointment by calling the nearest office, or request a screening online today.