A skin cancer screening from your dermatologist in Port Orange, and Daytona Beach, FL, can save your life.
Do you spend a lot of time out in the sun? Do you have fair skin and freckles? These are just two of the factors that can put you at increased risk for skin cancer. The good news is, your dermatologist is an expert at taking care of your skin, including looking for signs of skin cancer.
Dr. Jeffrey Heller of Heller Dermatology Center offers a wide range of dermatology services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. He has convenient office locations in Daytona Beach, and Port Orange, FL.
One of the main causes of skin cancer is sun exposure. There are several types of skin cancer including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, which are easily treated. There is another type of skin cancer, known as malignant melanoma, which can be fatal.
It’s critical to diagnose skin cancer early and begin treatment as soon as possible. That’s where skin cancer screenings come in. A skin cancer screening performed by your dermatologist can detect early cellular changes in your skin, like abnormal moles and scaly patches of skin.
Your dermatologist may remove any suspicious moles during your screening. The mole tissue is sent off for biopsy to determine if the cells are precancerous or cancerous.
In between professional cancer screenings, you can do an examination of your skin yourself. You need to look for:
- Large moles, with a diameter greater than 6 millimeters
- Irregularly shaped moles, with poorly defined borders
- Areas of red, scaly, or painful skin
You can do a lot to prevent skin cancer. Remember to:
- Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily, or at least SPF 30 if you are outside for a long period of time
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and other protective items
- Try to stay out of direct sunlight between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are most damaging
To find out more about the importance of skin cancer screenings and how they can save your life, contact Dr. Heller of Heller Dermatology Center, with offices in Daytona Beach, and Port Orange, FL. You can reach him at (386) 239-8700 so call now!