Skin Cancer

Nigro Dermatology Group

Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology located in Houston, TX

One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. The most common cause is sun damage. If you experience sunburn more than five times, it doubles your risk of developing melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The team at Nigro Dermatology Group is passionate about educating men and women on the importance of skin cancer prevention and offers comprehensive skin cancer screening at its two office locations in Houston, Texas, to detect it in its early stages when it's most treatable. Find out more today by calling the practice or requesting an appointment online.

Skin Cancer Q & A

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of the skin cells. It's commonly associated with sun exposure but can occur on skin that receives little to no exposure at all.

The team at Nigro Dermatology Group offers thorough skin cancer screening services, so reach out if you have any unusual lesions that concern you.

Are there different types of skin cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body. Often linked to moles, melanoma can develop even on otherwise normal skin. Where it typically appears varies by gender: Women are more likely to develop it in the lower leg, while men on their face or torso.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is most commonly associated with sun exposure. As such, it's more likely to develop in areas that receive the most exposure, like the face and neck.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma also occurs through sun exposure on the hands, ears, and face. If you have darker skin tones, you may also develop squamous cell carcinoma in areas that receive no sun exposure.

The skin cancer screening tests offered by the team at Nigro Dermatology Group allow you to catch skin cancer while it's still in its earliest stages. They also offer expert skin cancer prevention advice.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Skin cancer symptoms vary. Melanoma can take the form of a large brown spot with dark speckles or a small lesion of multiple colors, including red, pink, blue-black, blue, or white. You may also experience itching or a burning sensation. If melanoma occurs in an existing mole, the mole may change size, shape, color, or feel, or may begin to bleed.

Basal cell carcinoma may take the form of a sore that bleeds, scabs, heals, and returns repeatedly. It may also look like a waxy bump or a flat scar-like lesion.

Squamous cell carcinoma may take the form of a flat, scaly, crusted lesion or a red nodule that's firm to touch.

The thought of skin cancer can be frightening, but when you partner with the team at Nigro Dermatology Group, you have the full support of a group of clinicians experienced in skin cancer and sun damage prevention. Call the practice today or request an appointment through this website.

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