Skin Cancer Specialists Morristown TN

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

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Skin Cancer Specialists FAQ in Morristown, TN

What organ system does melanoma affect?

Melanoma can spread to parts of your body far away from where the cancer started. This is called advanced, metastatic, or stage IV melanoma. It can move to your lungs, liver, brain, bones, digestive system, and lymph nodes.

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 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 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.

Do you need chemo for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma very rarely reaches an advanced stage, so systemic chemotherapy is not typically used to treat these cancers. Advanced basal cell cancers are more likely to be treated with targeted therapy.

How do you beat skin cancer?

Freezing. Your doctor may destroy actinic keratoses and some small, early skin cancers by freezing them with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery). Excisional surgery. Mohs surgery. Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy. Radiation therapy. Chemotherapy. Photodynamic therapy. Biological therapy.

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 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 a dermatologist 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.

Does vitamin D help with melanoma?

High circulating vitamin D concentration has been found to be associated with reduced melanoma progression and improved survival. Furthermore, reduced vitamin D serum levels have been reported in patients with stage IV melanoma compared with those with stage I.

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 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.

Do you feel ill with skin cancer?

You can feel well and still have skin cancer Most people who find a suspicious spot on their skin or streak beneath a nail feel fine. They don’t have any pain. They don’t feel ill. The only difference they notice is the suspicious-looking spot.

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.