It is estimated that one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. This incredibly common skin condition can have a number of effects on an individual’s skin and overall health, and can even result in death. Because of this, if you are exhibiting potential signs of skin cancer, you should immediately visit a dermatologist clinic for an exam, diagnosis, and potentially, treatment.
Dermatologists are trained to treat a variety of skin conditions, both common and rare, serious and benign. For example, one of the most common services offered by skin specialists is dermatologist acne treatments. Nearly 85% of people suffer from acne at some point during their lives, and as many as 50 million Americans are affected today. Because of the prevalence of this disorder and the variety of forms it can take, there are a variety of acne treatment products and methods available to help reduce and clear away the skin problem, including laser acne treatments. But while acne can be a serious cosmetic problem that can cause severe damage to a person’s confidence and self-esteem, preventing skin cancer is one of the most important services dermatology and skin cancer specialists can perform.
Typically, a patients begin the process of diagnosing and treating skin cancer when they notice a change in their skin over the course of a routine skin exam. These at-home tests are recommended especially for those with a high skin cancer risk, and aim to identify changes such as a new mole, or a difference in appearance, texture, or feel of an existing one. After noticing a difference, patients should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, who will usually conduct a biopsy to determine if the mole is cancerous and how deeply the cancer is rooted.
If the mole is found to be cancerous, the dermatologist will prescribe one of several skin cancer treatment methods, which will depend on the type and severity of the cancer found. These treatments typically include radiotherapy, surgery, and rarely, chemotherapy. The procedures are typically covered by insurance, but when it comes to skin cancer treatment costs, it is important to remember that the price of early discovery and treatment is often much more affordable than the skin cancer treatment costs for advanced cases. Because of this, as well as the implications for you health, early detection is extremely important. Conduct a self-exam for skin cancer and schedule an appointment with a dermatologist today to discuss your risk of developing the condition. By doing so today, you can hopefully avoid a later discussion on skin cancer treatment costs and surgeries.
