Skin Cancer

Early skin cancer detection is crucial to your health due to the risk of the cancer spreading. At Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, board-certified dermatologists specialize in the latest diagnostic techniques and treatments for multiple skin cancer types. Schedule your skin exam by phone or online at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center today.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer, the most common cancer type in the United States, frequently comes from ultraviolet (UV) light causing changes within your skin cells’ DNA. Like any type of cancer, skin cancer involves the abnormal growth of cells and can get worse or spread if you don’t catch it and treat it early. 

Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center specializes in detecting and treating three of the most common types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. They can also detect various pre-cancers using the latest techniques. 

What are my risk factors for skin cancer?

Multiple risk factors for skin cancer can put you at a higher-than-average risk of developing it. Your risk for skin cancer may be particularly high because of:

• Your genetics and family history
• Never wearing sunscreen
• A job that requires you to be in the sun often
• Spending recreational time in the sun often
• Age
• A weak immune system
• Smoking
• A fair complexion
• Having multiple moles

While sun exposure is one of the most significant skin cancer risk factors, not all types of skin cancer start in sun-exposed areas. You should look all around your body when checking your skin for signs of cancer at home. 

What can I do to prevent skin cancer?

Your dermatologist at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center teaches you the best practices for minimizing your skin cancer risk. They encourage you to apply sunscreen every day, wear clothing with plenty of coverage, and avoid spending excessive time in the sunshine. You should also avoid tanning beds and booths. 

As a preventive measure, Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center offers thorough skin cancer screenings to anyone who is at a particularly high skin cancer risk. They also teach you to examine your skin to increase your chances of an early diagnosis. 

How is skin cancer treated?

Skin cancer treatment at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center involves an individualized strategy for each patient. Your dermatologist considers your age, the cancer’s location, and the type of cancer while deciding how to treat yours. 

They may use treatments and procedures like:

• Surgical excision
• Cryotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Mohs surgery

Your dermatologist might collaborate with other specialists if they find your cancer has spread to areas outside of your skin. 

For more information about skin cancer prevention and treatment, call Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center or schedule an appointment online today.