Even though nearly one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, the survival rates are extremely high among those who catch this disease in its earliest stages. That is why we are proud to offer all residents of Tustin, CA and the surrounding communities some of the most advanced screening tools and services in the area. With an early and accurate diagnosis, you and our doctor can come up with a comprehensive treatment plan to quickly and safely contain the cancerous cells.
Risk Factors
Skin cancer can be caused by many different internal and external variables, and it is important for everyone in Tustin, CA to understand those risk factors. The single biggest risk factor for skin cancer is extended exposure to UV radiation. That includes exposure to natural UV radiation from the sun and UV lights in a tanning bed. Those who constantly have sunburns when they are younger also have a very high risk of skin cancer. An individual’s skin color plays a major role as well. Patients who have lighter skin and less melanin are more susceptible to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage.
Signs and Symptoms
As a general rule, teenagers and adults should be screened for skin cancer once every few years. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the population never even considers getting tested until they notice unusual issues with their skin. Some of the most common symptoms include scaly patches of skin, bumps on the skin, and discoloration. Those who notice any sudden or distinct changes to their skin should immediately contact our office for further testing. Even if the test comes back negative, our team can still help you come up with a plan to prevent future issues.
A Proper Diagnosis
Diagnosing an individual with skin cancer usually requires multiple steps. During your initial screening, we will carefully examine your skin and look for any cancerous or precancerous blemishes. Many patients schedule the initial screening because of a specific blemish, so we might need to take a sample of that particular mole or patch of skin. Also referred to as a biopsy, that small sample can then be taken to the lab for further testing. In some cases, we might suggest having the blemish completely removed if we believe that it will become cancerous at a later time.
Treatment Options
There are different stages of skin cancer, and accurately diagnosing which stage an individual is in will allow our medical team in Tustin, CA to come up with an effective treatment or management plan. It all starts with scheduling an initial appointment at Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. We have offices located in Long Beach, Mission Viejo, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, and Tustin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
