Skin Cancer Specialists Hilo HI

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

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Skin Cancer Specialists FAQ in Hilo, HI

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.

How do doctors know if skin cancer has spread?

For people with more-advanced melanomas, doctors may recommend imaging tests to look for signs that the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Imaging tests may include X-rays, CT scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

What is the slowest spreading skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the United States and is the most common of all cancers. Typically, it is a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body.

Which form of skin cancer is the most life threatening?

The most serious is melanoma. Our skin is made up of cells: basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes. The different types of skin cancer are named for the skin cell where the cancer develops: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

How fast do skin cancers progress?

Some forms of skin cancer tend to grow in a matter of weeks, while others grow over months, or even longer. While a number of factors determine how fast or slow skin cancer may grow in any one individual, some types of skin cancer are more aggressive than others.

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.

What are the red flags for melanoma?

Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma. A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole.

How long does it take for melanoma to spread?

How fast does melanoma spread and grow to local lymph nodes and other organs? “Melanoma can grow extremely quickly and can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks,” noted Dr. Duncanson. “If left untreated, melanoma begins to spread, advancing its stage and worsening the prognosis.”

Where is the first place skin cancer spreads to?

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.

How long can a person live with squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) generally has a high survival rate. The 5-year survival is 99 percent when detected early. Once SCC has spread to the lymph nodes and beyond, the survival rates are lower. Yet this cancer is still treatable with surgery and other therapies, even in its advanced stages.

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.

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 happens if skin biopsy is positive?

Generally, after a patient receives positive melanoma results, his or her doctors will need to proceed with staging the malignancy— which essentially means determining the extent of the cancer—and developing a treatment plan based on how far the cancer has progressed.