The most common type of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. People develop more skin cancers each year than the total of all other cancers. In our country, each year, approximately one million individuals are diagnosed with skin cancer. Men and women who have a history of skin cancer or have noticed the development of unusual, abnormal growths on the skin should connect with a dermatologist in the Stockton, CA area for a skin cancer screening. Dr. Gerald Bock and his team at California Skin and Laser Center offer evaluations for new and existing patients of the practice and encourage patients to be proactive about catching skin cancer in the earliest stages whenever possible.
Who is at risk of developing skin cancer?
Certain patients may be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer than others. These individuals include those with:
- A history of extreme sun exposure, sunburns, or use of tanning beds.
- A family history of skin cancer
- A previous skin cancer diagnosis
- Fair skin, red or light blond hair
- A lot of moles present on the skin.
The skin is exposed to the elements and is the largest organ of the body. That makes it most susceptible to sun damage that can trigger skin cancer in patients of all ages. Patients must realize that skin cancer can be life-threatening and be proactive about having routine skin cancer screenings. It is recommended that patients visit a dermatologist every year for an annual screening. That allows a professional to catch skin cancer growth in its earliest stage and ensures a more reliable treatment after diagnosis.
What types of skin cancer can develop?
Three primary types of skin cancer may develop:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
In addition, patients should also have their dermatologist look for actinic keratosis, a precancerous lesion that can sometimes become squamous cell skin cancer if not diagnosed and treated. These growths appear as brown or red spots that can be rough or scaly and indicate the possibility of a future problem. Melanoma is the most life-threatening of the three cancers and may develop in moles on the skin. At other times melanoma can start in normal appearing skin.
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Know the warning signs of skin cancer
Any unusual growth or changes to existing growths, skin tags, or moles may indicate that cancer is developing. Moles that change in shape, color, size, and symmetry might indicate skin cancer cells. A dermatologist evaluating a patient for skin cancer and notices a change in moles or skin growths will often take a biopsy to test the sample for skin cancer cells. With a proper diagnosis, patients can discuss with Dr. Gerald Bock how to move forward with treatment options.
Schedule your skin cancer screening today!
Catching skin cancer at its earliest stage is the most effective way of getting a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment to keep it from spreading or worsening. If you reside in or around the area of Stockton, CA, and are interested in working with a dermatologist “near me” that can provide skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, book an appointment with Dr. Gerald Bock at California Skin and Laser Center today! The office is located at 1617 St. Marks Plaza, Suite C, and can be reached by phone at 209-751-4292. Please note that we only treat covid vaccinated patients!
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