Want to know when to see a dermatologist?
Regular checkups are always necessary but peculiar moles and rashes could be the most problematic. Why? They could be symptoms of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States but has a high cure rate when detected early, which is why it is imperative to perform regular self-examinations and visit Dr. Naga Meduri. Her office, Modern Dermatology Atlanta, is in your Woodstock, GA, but also serves the Greater Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton, and Dekalb counties.
What are the common types of skin cancer?
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common form of skin cancer and damages the body's natural repair system while spreading slowly. Symptoms include: raised pink or pearly white bump with visible blood vessels, pigmented bumps that look like moles, sores that won't heal, and a flat scaly scar with a waxy appearance.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This cancer looks like fish scales under a microscope and usually affects fair-skinned, middle-aged, and elderly people with more sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma develops on the scalp, face, ears, and hands, in the mouth, or on the genitalia.
- Melanoma: This is the least common type of skin cancer and affects younger people in their 20's. It looks like dark brown or black spots on the skin that spread rapidly to internal organs.
Preventive Measures
As previously mentioned, you need to visit your Woodstock, Greater Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton, and Dekalb dermatologist regularly and complete a skin self-examination but also look for the following:
- Moles that grow, itch, or bleed
- Brown or black streaks under the nails
- Sores that don't heal
- Clusters of pink or red slow-growing scaly lesions
Need to contact your dermatologist?
If you are concerned about your risk for skin cancer, you should contact Dr. Naga Meduri of Modern Dermatology Atlanta in Woodstock, GA, at 770-250-7199 to schedule your next appointment. And remember, Dr. Meduri also serves the Greater Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton, and Dekalb, making it convenient for you and your family.
