Find Skin Cancer Specialists in Gulf Shores, AL. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Gulf Shores, AL.
Local Businesses
Metzinger, Stephen – Mc Collough Plastic Surgery
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Diaz, Gus – Mc Collough Plastic Surgery
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Mccollough- E. Gaylon Facs
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
Forbes, Kelly – Mc Collough Plastic Surgery
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Mc Collough Plastic Surgery
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
E Gaylon Mccollough
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Melanie Petro
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Edward G Mccollough
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
Skin Cancer Specialists FAQ in Gulf Shores, AL
What happens if you test positive for skin cancer?
The goal of treatment is to remove all of the cancer. For this reason, surgery is often part of the treatment plan. When found early, a type of surgery called excision surgery may be the only treatment you need. A dermatologist can often perform this surgery during an office visit while you remain awake.
How urgent is skin cancer?
You’ll have an urgent referral (within 2 weeks) if you have squamous cell skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancers usually do not need an urgent referral, but you should still see a specialist within 18 weeks. The specialist will examine your skin and may do a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer.
Does cancer spread faster after biopsy?
A long-held belief by a number of patients and even some physicians has been that a biopsy can cause some cancer cells to spread. While there have been a few case reports that suggest this can happen — but very rarely — there is no need for patients to be concerned about biopsies, says Dr. Wallace.
What is the least fatal type of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma Most common form of skin cancer but the least dangerous. Appear as round or flattened lump or scaly spots. Red, pale or pearly in colour. May become ulcerated, bleed and fail to heal.
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.
What are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer?
Changes in the appearance of a mole. Skin changes after a mole has been removed. Itchiness & oozing. A sore or spot that won’t go away. Scaly patches. Vision problems. Changes in your fingernails or toenails.
What part of the body is most common for melanoma?
They most often develop in areas that have had exposure to the sun, such as your back, legs, arms and face. Melanomas can also occur in areas that don’t receive much sun exposure, such as the soles of your feet, palms of your hands and fingernail beds.
How curable is skin cancer?
Nearly all skin cancers can be cured if they are treated before they have a chance to spread. The earlier skin cancer is found and removed, the better your chance for a full recovery. Ninety percent of those with basal cell skin cancer are cured.
Can you have skin cancer for years and not know?
For example, certain types of skin cancer can be diagnosed initially just by visual inspection — though a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. But other cancers can form and grow undetected for 10 years or more , as one study found, making diagnosis and treatment that much more difficult.
What organs does melanoma spread to first?
Doctors have known for decades that melanoma and many other cancer types tend to spread first into nearby lymph nodes before entering the blood and traveling to distant parts of the body.
Can you tell the stage of melanoma from a biopsy?
These test results along with the results from your skin biopsy, complete skin exam, and physical are used to determine the stage of the melanoma. When everything that your doctor sees suggests that the cancer may have spread to a lymph node, your doctor may recommend a procedure called a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
What does skin cancer look like when spreading?
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common form and looks like an asymmetrical, discolored patch of skin with uneven borders. Lentigo maligna melanoma most often develops in older individuals and looks like a slightly raised blotchy patch of blue-black skin.
What does late stage skin cancer look like?
Hard lump on the skin. Hard or swollen lymph nodes. Fatigue. Unexplained pain.
What can be mistaken for melanoma?
Nevus (mole) Moles, also known as nevi, are one of the most common growths that people find on their skin. Growing mostly in early adulthood these are some of the growths most commonly mistaken for melanomas.