Skin Cancer

How can I prevent skin cancer?

With such a large number of skin cancer cases in the United States, it’s especially important that men, women, and children living in sunny Florida take steps to prevent skin cancer. Here are some ways to keep skin cancer from affecting you:

• Schedule regular screenings with a dermatologist
• Avoid harmful UV rays whenever possible
• Cover up when you go outside and while driving, including wearing long pants and long sleeves
• Use a hat to protect your head
• Wear sunscreen
• Invest in a good pair of sunglasses
• Never use tanning beds or sun lamps

Prevention is key when it comes to skin cancer, and the professionals at Z-ROC Dermatology provide preventive screenings and can evaluate any concerning spots or moles.

What are the types of skin cancer?

There are quite a few different types of skin cancer. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas, for instance, are fairly common and are typically found in the areas of your body that receive the most sun exposure, like the head, neck, or arms. These cancers can usually be treated successfully.

Melanoma is less common, but it’s much more dangerous and more likely to spread. When caught early, melanoma has a very high survival rate, but if it spreads to other parts of the body, it can be deadly.

What are the warning signs of melanoma?

While most moles are not cancerous, any mark or mole on your skin that is red or irritated for a period of time should be examined by an experienced dermatologist.

A common rule of thumb for assessing whether your moles may be cancerous is known as the ABCDEs of melanoma. They are:

• Asymmetry: one side of the mole does not match the other
• Border: the mole has an irregular border
• Color: the color of the mole is not uniform
• Diameter: the mole is greater than 6mm in diameter
• Evolution: the shape, size, or color of the mole changes

Sores that don’t heal or are red, itchy, or painful can also be suspicious, as is a mole that weeps or becomes infected. You should consult with the doctors at Z-ROC Dermatology if you have any concerns about moles or marks on your skin.

How is skin cancer treated?

Dr. Wongkittiroch is specially trained in Mohs surgery, a cutting-edge technique for treating squamous and basal cell carcinomas with optimal outcomes, reduced recovery time, minimal scarring, and as little damage to the healthy surrounding tissue as possible. She carefully removes the cancer cells one layer at a time, examining each layer under a microscope until she has confirmed that no cancer cells remain.

The experts at Z-ROC Dermatology also offer laser and reconstructive surgery techniques for treating various forms of skin cancer.

If you have a family history of skin cancer or are concerned about a suspicious mark on your skin, call Z-ROC Dermatology for an evaluation or book one online today.