Approximately 1 in 5 people in the United States will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, and if you’re among this number you can find expert care at the Coastal Cancer Center offices located throughout the Grand Strand area of South Carolina. As the area leader in services for blood diseases and cancer, their four locations in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Loris, and Murrells Inlet provide state-of-the-art services for skin cancer treatment. For more information on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, call Coastal Cancer Center today.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. This type of cancer generally starts on areas of your skin exposed to the sun but can occur anywhere on your body.
The three most prevalent types of skin cancer are:
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but your risks are higher if you have fair skin, a history of sunburns, and excessive exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) light.
Skin cancer usually develops when skin cells experience DNA damage from UV radiation. This type of light is found in the sun and tanning beds.
Because you can develop skin cancer in areas of your body that aren’t exposed to light, additional factors might also trigger this disease, such as:
You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by avoiding sun exposure when the sun is at its highest, using broad-spectrum sunscreens year-round, and wearing protective clothing.
To reach a skin cancer diagnosis, your doctor examines your skin and performs a skin biopsy to test suspicious looking tissue. Based on your diagnosis, your doctor might recommend additional tests to determine the extent of your condition.
Your provider develops a personalized approach to treating your skin cancer based on its type, depth, size, and location. For some skin cancers, they’re small enough that your initial biopsy is the only treatment you need. Additional skin cancer treatments might include:
Your oncologist might also recommend photodynamic or biological therapies. These treatments use laser lights and drugs or your body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells.
Call Coastal Cancer Center to schedule an appointment today to learn more.
