Skin Cancer Specialists Gainesville VA

Find Skin Cancer Specialists in Gainesville, VA. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Gainesville, VA.

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Skin Cancer Specialists FAQ in Gainesville, VA

What does serious skin cancer look like?

In most cases, cancerous lumps are red and firm and sometimes turn into ulcers, while cancerous patches are usually flat and scaly. Non-melanoma skin cancer most often develops on areas of skin regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, shoulders, upper chest and back.

What are the 3 most common skin cancers?

But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

What is the easiest skin cancer to cure?

The most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are nonmelanoma skin cancers and rarely life threatening. They grow slowly, seldom spread beyond the skin, are easily found, and usually are cured.

Which skin cancer has the best prognosis?

The subtypes of BCC that have a better prognosis are nodular and superficial. Desmoplastic SCC and adenosquamous carcinoma of the skin tend to come back after treatment and have a less favourable prognosis.

Can you live with skin cancer if untreated?

Why Not to Leave Skin Cancer Untreated. Skin cancer has two sides. On the one hand, it is fairly easy to detect and treat when done so at an early stage. On the other hand, when left untreated, skin cancer can cause disfigurement and even death.

Can a doctor tell if a mole is cancerous just by looking at it?

A visual check of your skin only finds moles that may be cancer. It can’t tell you for sure that you have it. The only way to diagnose the condition is with a test called a biopsy. If your doctor thinks a mole is a problem, they will give you a shot of numbing medicine, then scrape off as much of the mole as possible.

How long is too long to leave skin cancer?

In as little as 6 weeks melanoma can put your life at risk as it has the ability to grow quickly and spread to other parts of your body including your organs. It can be present in any area, even those which haven’t been in the sun, although sun exposure is a common cause.

What does the beginning of squamous cell carcinoma look like?

SCCs can appear as thick, rough, scaly patches that may crust or bleed. They can also resemble warts, or open sores that don’t completely heal. Sometimes SCCs show up as growths that are raised at the edges with a lower area in the center that may bleed or itch.

What is the life expectancy of someone with basal cell carcinoma?

Survival for most non-melanoma skin cancers is excellent. The 5-year relative survival for BCC is 100%. This means that, on average, all of the people diagnosed with BCC are just as likely to live at least 5 years after their diagnosis as people in the general population.

Is skin cancer always terminal?

Most skin cancers can be cured if they’re treated before they have a chance to spread. However, more advanced cases of melanoma can be fatal. The earlier skin cancer is found and removed, the better your chances for a full recovery.

How do you know melanoma has spread across your body?

If your melanoma has spread to other areas, you may have: Hardened lumps under your skin. Swollen or painful lymph nodes. Trouble breathing, or a cough that doesn’t go away.

Does skin cancer make you tired?

General symptoms of metastatic skin cancer can include: fatigue. malaise. weight loss.

Which skin cancer spreads the fastest?

Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow fast and to spread quickly to other parts of your body. Treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma often depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.