DA00971 asked:


How do you feel if you have skin cancer? Are you physically ill or anything?

AbramsDermatology asked:

www.abramsderm.com Abrams Dermatology is located in Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota Dermatologist Bradley J. Abrams, DO, is AOBD Board Certified and a Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery. Mohs surgery has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, with a cure rate of up to 99% for certain tumors. Due to the fact that the Mohs procedure is micrographically controlled, it provides the most precise method for removal of the cancerous tissue, while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue.

bls4187 asked:


I recently got a tanning package and I go about 3 times a week. I was wondering if anyone else still goes regardless of the skin cancer warnings. I know there are risks, but I still enjoy going. I have yet to find a sunless tanner that matches what I get out of a tanning bed. If anyone has any self-tanner recommendations, please let me knoW!

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

There are a number of skin afflictions that may happen to an individual in an entire lifespan. However, none is more serious than the advent of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among humans. It was appraised that about 1 in 10 people will develop malignancy at least once in a lifetime.

Despite these facts, skin cancer is easily detectable mainly because it manifests itself at the skin exterior. Knowing how to distinguish between typical skin disorders and cancers is essential in enhancing one’s value of life.

What does it look like? Medically speaking, there are three major conditions and each one has its own set of symptoms.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma cases make up about 80% of all skin cancers. It frequently appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin. On limited occasions, it may develop even on areas that are usually shielded from sunlight. BCC may present itself in different forms.

1. Open sore that intermittently bleeds and heals.
2. Translucent growth with rolled pigmented edges and visible small blood vessels
3. Hard flat lesions or slight depressions with indistinct edges that may be yellow or white in color
4. Skin or yellow colored waxy scar
5. Small clusters of shiny red or pink lesions that easily bleed and are scaly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma or SCC incidence make up about 16% of skin cancer in the U.S. Areas of the body that are openly exposed to the sun’s rays are commonly affected. This includes the face, neck, ears, scalp, arms and hands.

Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma includes: scaly portions on the skin with a red inflamed base, non-healing bump or coagulated skin on the lower lip, plaque or wart-like enlargements, non-healing sore, and red scaly bumps or patches.

Squamous cell carcinoma has the propensity to advance to other organs and if left untreated it can be fatal. The tumor tends to develop into large masses. If the patient has a weak immune system and the tumor begin on the lip or ear it can spread to the internal organs or lymph nodes.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the least common among the skin cancer but is the most serious type. Only 4% diagnosed skin cancer of this type has been reported. Melanoma cancer should be diagnosed early while the cure rate is about 95%.

It is typically found on the buttocks, legs, back, scalp, neck and behind the ears. However it can exist anywhere on the body like the soles, palms, mouth, genitalia and under the nails.

Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma

When a pre-existing mole begins to change its appearance a melanoma might develop. It is significant to be familiar with the moles on your body because 20% to 40% of melanoma arises from a typical mole.

Doctors recommended ABCDE’s of melanoma detection are:

A – Asymmetrical.
B – Borders irregular.
C – Color varies.
D – Diameter greater tan 6mm.
E – Evolving.

Take good care of your skin. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice sudden alterations on its appearance.

By: Thomas Cappetta

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Cookie asked:


I go a sunburn and my mom said i greatly increases risk of skin cancer, it was pretty bad for a sun burn and i have a friend who died from melanoma, should i be worried?