Being diagnosed with cancer can be a terrible experience for a person to go through. In particular, skin cancer can be a fairly common form of this disease, and it can be extremely dangerous if it is not diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are many people that are not particularly informed about this condition, but after learning the following questions and answers about skin cancer, you will be a better-informed patient when it comes to diagnosing and preventing this condition.
What Happens During A Skin Cancer Screening?
Undergoing regular skin cancer screenings can be one of the most effective ways of detecting this condition before it has a chance to spread. During a cancer screening, a doctor will thoroughly evaluate your skin to look for potentially cancerous spots. Often, the early stages of this condition can be identified by discolorations and growths on the skin. Some individuals may be concerned about these screenings being inconvenient. However, they can usually be completed within a fairly short time, and a minor inconvenience can be a small price to pay to help protect yourself against skin cancer.
What If A Suspicious Spot Is Located?
For most people, these screenings will be uneventful and nothing out of the ordinary will be found. However, there is always a chance that your doctor may find a suspicious spot. When this happens, it may be necessary for a biopsy to be taken. This is essential when the doctor will remove a small portion of the growth and have it analyzed. These tests can be highly effective at determining whether there are cancerous cells present, but they may take several days for the results to be ready. After this procedure has been done, you will need to follow the doctor's care instructions to help the skin around the biopsy heal as quickly as possible to minimize any scarring.
How Can You Keep Yourself Safe From Skin Cancer?
In addition to undergoing regular screenings, there are some steps that can be taken to help keep yourself safe from the potentially lethal condition. For those that spend a lot of time outside, preventing sun damage is crucial. To this end, you should always make sure to wear sunscreen and keep as much of your skin covered as possible. This is especially true for those that have a family history of skin cancer as they may be at a higher risk of developing this condition.