When you come to our office, we will also examine the rest of your skin as indicated. If we see any suspicious areas, we will notify you and send your referring doctor a specially designed letter with color digital photographs. You also need to be aware of the early signs of skin cancer. A rapid diagnosis means a smaller tumor.
Most commonly, skin cancers start as small bumps or patches of skin that slowly increase in size. They often will bleed and then seem to heal before repeating this cycle again. Any skin lesion that bleeds should be examined for a possible skin biopsy. Melanomas will most commonly increase in size, change colors, and itch. Skin cancers can be scaling, smooth, or firm. In many cases, you can’t tell by looking at the lesion and a skin biopsy is indicated. A skin biopsy removes a small piece of skin to be examined by a pathologist who can diagnose skin cancer. Skin biopsies are accurate, small, quick, easy, and the best way to be certain of a diagnosis.
Actinic Keratoses are precancerous small rough papules on the sun-exposed areas of face, neck, scalp, and arms. Left untreated they can progress to invasive skin cancers. Treating these premalignant lesions with your referring doctor is an essential part of skin-health maintenance.