Skin Cancer Specialists Augusta ME

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

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Skin Cancer Specialists FAQ in Augusta, ME

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.

How quickly should melanoma be removed?

Waiting Even Days to Remove Melanoma Can Be Deadly No matter what stage their cancer was, those who waited more than 90 days for surgical treatment were more likely to die.

What does the first stage of melanoma look like?

Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or feel of an existing mole. However, melanoma may also appear as a new mole. People should tell their doctor if they notice any changes on the skin. The only way to diagnose melanoma is to remove tissue and check it for cancer cells.

How do you know if melanoma is spreading?

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.

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 does it feel like when skin cancer spreads?

Some types of skin cancer spread along the nerves. If this happens, it can cause itching, pain, numbness, tingling, or a feeling like there are ants crawling under the skin. Other signs may include a lump or bump under the skin in areas such as the neck, armpit, or groin.

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.

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.

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.

What are five warning signs of skin cancer?

Moles on Your Skin. When it comes to spotting melanoma, moles are often the key. Itchy, Reddish Patches. From time to time, we all get rashes. Lumps and Bumps. Lesions. Any Unexpected Changes.

What do cancerous sun spots look like?

The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue. The spot is larger than ¼ inch across – about the size of a pencil eraser – although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.

What are the 4 types of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma. Basal cells are the round cells found in the lower epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma. Most of the epidermis is made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. Merkel cell cancer. Melanoma.

What are 3 treatments for skin cancer?

Simple excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, and cryosurgery are used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.