Five Signs You Should Visit Your Doctor for Skin Cancer Screenings

When you hear about skin cancer, what comes across your mind? In most cases, many people see it as a death sentence. Although this cancer can be threatening, detecting it early increases the chances of recovery. Therefore, scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist for screenings is essential. Recently, the search for skin cancer screenings Fort Worth has been rising, lowering the risks of skin complications resulting from skin cancer. This article covers you if you cannot know when to see a specialist. Below are five signs you should see your doctor for skin cancer screening.

Lesions

Regardless they occur slightly raised, flat or large to be called bumps; lesions on your face or legs might be signs of Kaposi Sarcoma. This type of skin cancer occurs with a brown, red or purple color on your skin. They start by appearing ad spots on the skin, causing no pain or itchiness. If detected early, this cancer is treatable, so if you see red or brown color on your skin with no pain, you should consult a skin cancer specialist.

Waxy, Translucent Bump

Sometimes skin cancer occurs in the form of a clear or skin-colored bump. Many people do not realize it during the initial stages. As a result, they end up thinking it’s a bug bite or a pimple hoping for it to heal on its own. Unfortunately, a translucent, waxy bump should worry you as it could be the early stages of squamous or basal cell skin cancer. When you notice these signs, you should talk to your provider about possible screening to confirm if it is a sign of skin cancer.

Stubborn Spots or Sores

A sore or spot that does not go away can be a warning sign of skin cancer. Certain skin cancers cause reddish or pinkish bumps that appear like pimples. Unlike pimples, these growths are stubborn as they do not go away over time. Sometimes, these growths cause ulcers or sores that resist treatment, meaning you should be cautious if you have sores that do not disappear. It is essential to visit your healthcare provider to confirm the possibility of having skin cancer.

Scaly Patches

In most cases, people may overlook scaly skin and assume it to be dryness or eczema. However, if you moisturize or address the dry patches with over-the-counter products but it does not disappear, schedule an appointment with your provider. Sometimes a scaly patch can be a warning symptom of squamous cell carcinoma. These patches may result from eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. Screenings allow your provider to detect these signs early, protecting you from possible skin cancer. 

Brown or Black Streak in the Nails

In some cases, skin cancer can develop under your nails. They often occur as a discolored black or dark brown streak in your nail. You may see them for years before they cause symptoms of discomfort or pain. If you notice a black or brown streak on your nail, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Through screenings, your provider will effectively confirm if you have underlying skin cancer.

Are you worried about the severity of skin cancers? All skin cancers are treatable if diagnosed early. Some effective treatments your healthcare provider can offer include cryotherapy, excision, chemotherapy, and Mohs surgery. Therefore, if you see visible changes in the color, texture, shape, and size of skin growth, you should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for evaluation. The most important practice is seeing your provider regularly for checkups to detect and address worrying symptoms early. These practices will enable you to live a happy life free from cancer.

Julio Jones