For many people, skin cancer in Sebring and Winter Haven, FL, is a mystery until they get a diagnosis. It isn't something that people often talk about. At Lakeside Dermatology, Dr. Michael Rogers, Dr. Brooke Rogers, Dr. Alex Kennon, and Barbara Ross, APRN-C offer both medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology as well as cancer treatments.
Types of skin cancer
Basically, there are three types of cancer; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and more than that, it is the most frequent type of all cancers. It most often appears on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight. Basal cells are one of the types of cells in the top layer of the skin. Ultraviolet rays cause changes to the DNA in the cells and the result is cancer. Most often, this type of cancer does not spread to other parts of the body, but in rare cases it can be quite aggressive.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Squamous cells are also one of the types of cells in the top layer of skin. Exposure to the sun is the most common cause of this type of skin cancer, but it can also appear on the genitals. If it is caught early, it is very curable, but left unattended it can be dangerous and even lead to death.
Melanoma
While melanoma is not nearly as common as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, it is much more dangerous. It has the ability to spread to other organs in the body rapidly, making quick diagnosis and treatment imperative.
Causes of skin cancer in Sebring and Winter Haven, FL
The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to the sun and ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet rays can also come from tanning beds or sunlamps.
Risk factors for skin cancer
The most common risk factors for skin cancer are having very light skin or skin that freckles easily. If you have light-colored eyes and red or blond hair, you are also at risk. Heredity is another risk factor; if members of your family have had skin cancer, it raises your risk. Your risk of developing skin cancer also rises as you age and if you have ever had skin cancer before.
Contact our dermatologist today
Contact the team Lakeside Dermatology in Sebring and Winter Haven, FL, to help you understand skin cancer and to provide the examination that you need every year to help prevent it. Give our office a call in Sebring, FL, at (863) 385-7183 and Winter Haven, FL, at (863) 293-7546 today to make an appointment.