Houston Skin Cancer Specialists
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the skin. It is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, neck, and arms.
Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. People with fair skin, blue eyes, and red hair are at higher risk for developing skin cancer. People with a history of sunburns are also at increased risk.
Different Types Of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can come in four types: actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Let’s take a closer look in each type:
Actinic Keratosis
This is the most common type of skin cancer, and it is also the least dangerous. It manifests as a scaly or crusted patch on the skin that is usually rough, dry, and red or brown in color. Most often, actinic keratoses form on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, scalp, neck, hands, and forearms.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This type of skin cancer is also very common, and it is also considered to be relatively low-risk. Basal cell carcinomas often look like small sores or pimples that don’t heal. They can also appear as pinkish patches of skin or shiny bumps.
These growths are most likely to show up on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck, chest, and back.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This type of skin cancer is less common than basal cell and actinic keratosis, but it is considered to be more serious. Squamous cell carcinomas can appear as scaly red or brown patches, raised growths with a crusted surface, or open sores.
These growths are most often found on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck, ears, lips, and hands.
Melanoma
This is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanomas can appear as new moles or growths on the skin, or they can develop from existing moles. They are usually black or brown, but they can also be red, white, or blue.
Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most likely to develop on the face, chest, or back.
What Are The Symptoms Of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer can show all kinds of symptoms such as:
- A change in the shape, color or size of a mole
- A new growth on the skin that is different from the rest
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Itching, scaliness, tenderness or pain in an area of skin
- Bleeding or discharge from a growth
- A change in texture of the skin
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a skin cancer doctor as soon as possible. Early detection by a specialist can lead to more effective treatment.
Worrying about abnormal skin growth? At Skin Cancer Specialist will help you find the best solution to your problem.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer can be caused with several things, including:
- Excessive sun exposure: This is by far the most common cause of skin cancer. People who spend a lot of time in the sun, especially without proper protection, are at a much higher risk for developing skin cancer.
- Artificial ultraviolet (UV) light: This includes things like tanning beds and sunlamps. These emit UV rays that can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.
- Certain chemicals: Things like arsenic and certain industrial oils can increase your risk for skin cancer if you are exposed to them regularly.
Radiation therapy: People who have undergone radiation therapy for other conditions have an increased risk for developing skin cancer later on.
How Do You Prevent Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is not much different from other types of cancers, especially in terms of treatability and prevention.
There are a few key things you can do to help prevent skin cancer:
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light sources like tanning beds. If you must be in the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapply it every two hours, even on cloudy days.
- Examine your skin regularly for any new or changing moles, spots, or other growths. If you notice anything suspicious, make an appointment to see a dermatologist right away.
- Be sure to get regular skin cancer screenings from a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors like fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.
- Avoid using tobacco products, which can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit your intake of processed foods and sugar.
- Get regular exercise, which can help to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of cancer.
By following these tips, you can help lower your risk of developing skin cancer. However, it’s important to remember that skin cancer can still occur even if you take all the necessary precautions.
If you notice any changes in your skin, be sure to see a dermatologist right away for a professional evaluation.
How To Diagnose Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it can be deadly. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms of skin cancer.
Skin cancer diagnosis begins with a visual examination by a skin cancer doctor. If anything looks abnormal, a biopsy may be performed.
Once skin cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will stage the disease to determine the best course of treatment. Skin cancer staging is a way of describing how far the cancer has progressed. It helps doctors understand the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
What Are The Treatments For Skin Cancer?
Dr. Fakhouri focuses on skin cancer prevention as well as treatment.
He utilizes the most advanced technology to help prevent skin cancer, such as:
There are a number of different treatment options for skin cancer, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. The type of surgery will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery may be used to remove the cancerous tissue, as well as some surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It is usually combined with surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually given as an injection or pill. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
If you’re a skin cancer survivor or at high risk of developing this disease, Dr. Fakhouri works with you to develop a personalized prevention plan to keep your skin as healthy as possible.
Skin Cancer Specialist experts will help you solve your undetermined skin problems.
How Much Does Skin Cancer Treatment Cost?
The cost of skin cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the treatment approach. Treatment for skin cancer can range from a simple outpatient procedure to an extensive inpatient treatment plan.
In general, skin cancer treatment costs can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance typically covers at least a portion of the cost of skin cancer treatment. For those without insurance, there are financial assistance programs available to help with the cost of treatment.
We at Skin Cancer Specialist can walk you through the possible cost of treatment options, as well as help you find financial assistance programs that can help offset the cost. Please call us to speak with a patient advocate who can answer any questions you may have.
How Much Does Rosacea Treatment Cost?
After skin cancer treatment, it is common to experience physical and emotional changes.
These can include:
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Swelling
- Skin sensitivity
- Numbness
- Lymphedema
- Depression
It is also important to keep an eye on your skin for any changes, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from the sun. Your doctor will likely recommend that you see a dermatologist for regular checkups.
Why Choose Skin Cancer Specialist For Your Skin Cancer Treatment?
We understand how important it is to get the right treatment for your skin cancer, which is why we offer a comprehensive approach that includes the latest technology and treatments. We also know that each person’s situation is unique, so we tailor our treatment plans to fit each individual.
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose us for your skin cancer treatment:
- We have a team of experts who are experienced in treating all types of skin cancer.
- We offer the latest technology and treatments, including Mohs surgery, which is considered the most effective method for treating certain types of skin cancer.
- We take a personalized approach to each patient, which means we create a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your individual needs.
- We have a proven track record of success in treating skin cancer.
For a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan, schedule your consultation with our experienced skin cancer doctors today.
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