Skin cancer is cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the skin. The cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue.
Many kinds of skin cancer exist. The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While these are the most common, they often can be cured. The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma. It is more likely to spread, making it harder to cure.
Most skin cancers happen on skin that gets a lot of sunlight. The light that comes from the sun is thought to cause most skin cancers. You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by covering your skin with clothes or sunscreen to protect it from the sun.
Some skin cancers happen on skin that doesn’t typically get sun. This likely means that something else is causing these cancers. To reduce your risk of these kinds of skin cancers, check your skin regularly for any changes. Report these changes to your healthcare professional.
I recommend annual full body skin exams with a dermatologist. If you have any concerning skin lesions, please contact our office at (707) 938-1255 or your dermatologist to schedule a visit.