Skin Cancer Specialists Templeton CA

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Skin Cancer Specialists FAQ in Templeton, CA

What is the hardest skin cancer to treat?

Melanoma is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas but is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If left untreated or caught in a late-stage, melanomas are more likely to spread to organs beyond the skin, making them difficult to treat and potentially life-limiting.

What are the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma?

A shiny, skin-colored bump that’s translucent, meaning you can see a bit through the surface. A brown, black or blue lesion — or a lesion with dark spots — with a slightly raised, translucent border. A flat, scaly patch with a raised edge. A white, waxy, scar-like lesion without a clearly defined border.

What are the odds of dying from skin cancer?

The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99%. The five-year survival rate for melanoma that spreads to nearby lymph nodes is 68%. The five-year survival rate for melanoma that spreads to distant lymph nodes and other organs is 30%.

What skin cancers are fatal?

Melanoma, which means “black tumor,” is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It grows quickly and has the ability to spread to any organ. Melanoma comes from skin cells called melanocytes.

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.

What are the early warning signs of malignant melanoma?

The most important warning sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color. Another important sign is a spot that looks different from all of the other spots on your skin (known as the ugly duckling sign).

At what age is skin cancer most common?

[1-4] In contrast to most cancer types, melanoma skin cancer also occurs relatively frequently at younger ages. Age-specific incidence rates increase steadily from around age 20-24 and more steeply in males from around age 55-59. The highest rates are in in the 85 to 89 age group for females and males.

What happens if melanoma is caught too late?

If melanoma is caught and treated early, it also responds very well to treatment. However, when it is not treated early, it can advance and spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 7,000 people will die from melanoma this year alone.

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.

Does melanoma show up in blood work?

Blood tests aren’t used to diagnose melanoma, but some tests may be done before or during treatment, especially for more advanced melanomas. Doctors often test blood for levels of a substance called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) before treatment.

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.

Can skin cancer be fully cured?

It can usually be cured, but the disease is a major health concern because it affects so many people. About half of fair-skinned people who live to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer. Most can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun and ultraviolet rays.

How do you know if skin cancer has spread?

Basal and squamous cell cancers don’t often spread to other parts of the body. But if your doctor thinks your skin cancer might spread, you might need imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans.

Is Stage 2 skin cancer curable?

Prognosis Stage 2 Melanoma: With appropriate treatment, Stage II melanoma is considered intermediate to high risk for recurrence or metastasis. The 5-year survival rate as of 2018 for local melanoma, including Stage II, is 98.4%. Learn more about melanoma survival rates.