Detecting, Treating and Preventing Skin Cancer
One of every three cancers diagnosed in the United States this year will be skin cancer, for a total of more than 700,000 new cases. The risk of skin cancer is greatest in summer because ultraviolet rays from the sun are the main cause of skin cancer.
Fortunately, the most common types of skin cancers have a cure rate of more than 95% if they are detected and treated early. Even better, almost all skin cancers can be prevented simply by protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Dr. Sikorski has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancer and precancerous conditions and performs Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery in the Orange County area.
Special Skin Diagnosis Tools
Using a special magnified viewing scope with a bright LED light called a dermatoscope, gives a highly magnified cross polarized view of skin lesions both on the surface and within deep skin structures. A trained skin cancer specialist can utilize these special screening tools to more precisely examine the skin for early cancer detection and to also reassure Orange County patients if a suspicious lesion is not showing evidence of cancerous vasculature. Dr. Sikorski uses the Dermlite developed by 3Gen.
Different Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer in general is a very frightening disease and is the most common cancer in humans. However, there are two positive aspects to skin cancer:
- Since skin cancer developes on the outside of your body, it can be detected early.
- The early detection of skin cancer allows you take preventive action to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BBC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It usually develops on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun and is noticeable as a small, round, raised, red spot. If BCC is detected early, the chances of cure increase significantly. However, if BCC is left untreated it tends to grow in a very destructive and disfiguring way.
Warning Signs of BCC
Smooth, pink bumps with a pearly sheen that later crust, ulcerate, and bleed.
Commonly occur on the sun exposed parts of the body, especially the head, neck and hands. Read complete information on Basal Cell Carcinoma on Skinsight.com.
Who’s at risk for BCC?
Although anyone of any ethnic background and any age can develop basal cell carcinoma, the overwhelming majority of people with this type of skin cancer are white and middle-aged or elderly. In fact, more than 99% of people with basal cell carcinoma are white, and more than 95% are between the ages of 40 and 80 years old. Orange County men and women seem to develop basal cell carcinoma at fairly equivalent rates. In addition, sun exposure plays a large role in the development of basal cell carcinoma. People who live in sunnier climates or who spend time outdoors due to work or hobbies are more likely to have basal cell carcinoma.