Squamous cell carcinoma (or squamous cell skin cancer) is the second most common skin cancer. These skin cancers arise from normal cells in the epidermis (or the top layer of skin). When these cells mutate into cancerous cells, usually from excessive UV light exposure, they invade into the deeper layers of skin. Although squamous cell skin cancer is not usually Continue reading
Most people know that summer outdoor fun requires sunscreen and those who forget to learn very quickly through the pain of a sunburn. However, many do not realize that winter sunlight still contains UVA and UVB exposure, and snow reflection can be almost as damaging to skin as direct sunlight. Additionally, reduced melanin in winter can limit skin’s ability to Continue reading
Firefighters at greater risk for skin cancer “As if their jobs aren’t dangerous enough, there’s new evidence that suggests that firefighters may have an increased risk for skin cancer over those in other professions,” explains Dr. Jennifer Vickers, board certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in Bee Cave, Texas. What’s causing the increased risk? According to researchers studying the Annual Cancer Continue reading
Although it doesn’t always get a lot of attention, skin cancer is actually the most common cancer in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014, “76,665 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin and 9,324 people died from this cancer”. “This is why it’s essential to perform regular Continue reading
When doctors talk about skin cancer, they often reiterate the point that it’s important to catch any potential issues early in order to have the best chance of recovery. But exactly how quickly can skin cancer grow? Is it safe to wait a week after noticing something strange on your skin? How long should you wait before deciding that a Continue reading
When a doctor performs a skin biopsy on you, the doctor removes a small part of your skin, analyzes it, and looks at it under the microscope. “This is a sample, a piece of the bigger skin, usually removed for diagnostic purposes,” shares Dr. Azeen Sadeghian, board certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in Baton Rouge, LA. In this case, the Continue reading
Mohs Surgery: What Is It? While number of treatment options exist for skin cancer, Mohs surgery has proved to be the most effective, providing both the highest cure rate, and the least amount of scarring. Originally developed by Frederic Mohs, M.D., Mohs surgery is a very particular, in-office technique of removing and examining cancerous tissue layer by layer in order Continue reading
Sunscreen is an everyday staple, it’s not just for the summer months. As you feel the crisp, cool air hitting your face as fall moves in you may feel tempted to toss out your sunscreen. Don’t do it! Even in the dreary cloud filled days ahead of us, your skin is still at risk for UV exposure. Keep reading for Continue reading
Skin Cancer is caused by an abnormal growth of skin cells linked to sun exposure, ultraviolet light and yes, tanning beds. Exposure to these elements is cumulative, so the risk for skin cancer increases as we age. It has been reported that in the past thirty years, the number of skin cancer cases exceeds the total number of all other cancers combined. Continue reading
Eczema is a common skin condition that affects millions of children and adults. It causes redness, dryness and flaking on the skin, as well as irritation and itching. Eczema ranges from mild to severe, can come and go and be seasonal or constant. Some people have eczema from an early age and outgrow it, others will deal with it throughout Continue reading
