What is the best doctor to check for skin cancer?
Are you looking for skin cancer screening or tests and don’t know whom to connect with? A dermatologist can be the one. Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin, hair and nail conditions. They are known as “skin doctors”.
If you notice any suspicious changes in the skin, you can make appointments with your dermatologist. Your family doctor will also recommend visiting a dermatologist because they will examine and detect cancer type, severity and treatment options.
Signs And Symptoms Of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can appear in many ways and have many signs and symptoms including a new spot, a change in an existing spot or mole, or a sore that doesn’t heal. You must visit a general practitioner or dermatologist if you notice any of the following signs:
New Spots
If you notice any new and suspicious spot on your skin, it can be a sign that a disease is taking birth somewhere in your body. A new, expanding or changing growth of a spot can be suspicious. You must also look for a wart-like growth while checking for signs of skin cancer.
Changes To Existing Spots
A sudden change in the size, shape or colour of a mole or freckle can be a sign of skin cancer. A mole that is a mix of colours and larger than a pea needs expert attention. Any irregular changes in the shape or border of the existing mole that make it different from the surrounding moles are giving signs to get a check-up.
Sores
A sore that lasts two to four weeks and the one that bleeds, crusts or scabs need attention. The other signs can be red, shiny, pink or pearl white sore. You must also check for rough, scaly or ulcerated sore while checking for skin cancer.
Other Symptoms
You may notice some symptoms that are usually not present in day-to-day life and suddenly make their appearance, such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Itching
- Scars
- Loss of feeling
- Skin infection
- Red patches on the skin
Why To Visit A Skin Cancer Clinic Near Me?
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above you must visit a dermatologist or skin doctor near you. Dermatologists are specialised in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. They can detect the skin cancer type and provide treatment according to severity.
There are mainly three types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Melanoma is the rarest and most dangerous one that needs expert attention as soon as possible after detection. Early detection can improve treatment effectiveness and you can get the treatment at the right time.
You must be thinking, “Why a dermatologist?”. Well! Dermatologists are also known as skin doctors. They are well-trained and experienced medical experts who deal with several skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, eczema and skin cancer. Search for a skin cancer clinic near me today!
What Treatment Options Does Dermatologists Can Provide For Skin Cancer?
Dermatologists will start skin cancer treatment by examining the skin to identify the type and severity of the cancer. They can perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, the dermatologist may suggest several treatment options, including:
Laser Treatment
Laser therapy is a local treatment that your dermatologist can suggest. It uses a concentrated beam of light to detect or remove abnormal or cancerous cells. Cancer cells absorb light of different wavelengths than normal cells so lasers can target them by selective wavelength.
This treatment option can be suggested to treat small areas of precancerous cells, shrink or destroy cells or relieve cancer symptoms.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves using a light-sensitive drug and a light source to kill skin cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy is effective for treating superficial skin cancers. Bsala cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease and solar keratoses can be treated with this treatment option.
Chemotherapy
This treatment option uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Chemotherapy can be applied topically such as a cream or lotion or through a vein. Skin cancer affecting the top layer of the skin can be treated with chemotherapy. Your dermatologist will apply the drug directly to the skin.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses medications to help the body’s immune system fight and destroy cancer cells. Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can be treated with this type. It is used to treat advanced cases of skin cancer and it helps the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Your dermatologist can customise the treatment options according to the stage and type of cancer. You must visit a skin cancer clinic near you when you detect any similar signs and symptoms of skin cancer.
