Treatments

One of the many fantastic things about the great state of Texas is all of the sunshine that we get here. Because of all that wonderful sun, it should be no surprise that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. In just this year alone, 2 million Americans will get diagnosed with skin cancer. However, even though skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, if you find it early and get it removed, it has one of the highest survival rates of any form of cancer.

Warts are different from other types of skin tags because they are caused by a virus and unlike moles, can spread. When the human papillomavirus comes into contact with an open cut, even a very small one, it can become infected over time.

While basal and squamous cell cancer must be treated, melanoma is known as the silent killer because most people dismiss or do not recognize the first signs of melanoma. Patients who recognize a suspicious mole should go for a skin exam to get a diagnosis and possibly a skin cancer biopsy.

Moles are commonplace skin growths, especially for patients who are fair-skinned. Most moles are tan or brown in color, sometimes raised, and vary in shape and size. Over time the appearance of your moles can change, often becoming lighter in color or larger. When a mole grows irritated, patients in the Woodlands and Conroe should seek a diagnosis from their doctor and take steps to remove it before it turns cancerous.

In addition to doing routine skin self-exams, people should have a skin cancer check regularly by a doctor or a Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner. A doctor can do a skin cancer check during visits for regular checkups. Patients who think they have atypical moles should point them out to the doctor. It is also important to tell the doctor about any new, changing, or “ugly-looking” moles.

Almost everyone has had a pimple at some point in their lives. But if you are constantly battling outbreaks, then you suffer from acne. Upwards of 50 million Americans suffer from acne, which is caused by clogged pores. When your pores retain oil and skin cells, the result is skin inflammation commonly known as acne.

A skin inflammation, or rash, comes in many forms. While many types of rash can be treated at home, a persistent rash will likely need prescription medication from a dermatologist.

When a skin cancer biopsy returns positive for cancer, the news can feel devastating. The incidence of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has steadily risen over the past ten years. Yet when caught early and treated properly, patients have an excellent prognosis for a full recovery with minimal discomfort.