Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers, yet more than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with the disease every day, and two people die from it every hour. At Saddle River Skin and Mohs Surgery, LLC, Gangaram Ragi, MD, helps adults prevent skin cancer and offers comprehensive care, from skin cancer screenings to removing benign and cancerous skin lesions. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Saddle River, New Jersey, or use the online booking feature today.

What raises my risk for skin cancer?

Nearly all skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation from sunlight and tanning beds damages the DNA in cells in the upper layer of your skin. As a result, the cells grow uncontrollably and rapidly, turning into a cancerous mass (tumor).

Having sunburns during your childhood and teen years raises your risk for skin cancer when you get older. Your cumulative exposure to UV radiation over your lifetime also influences your risk.

Your risk also rises if you have any of the following:

• Fair skin
• Freckles
• Red or blonde hair
• Numerous moles
• History of blistering sunburns

A family history of skin cancer is another factor that makes you more likely to have skin cancer.

What type of skin cancer might I develop?

You can develop one of three primary types of skin cancer:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC, the most common type, takes several forms. It may look like a shiny bump that’s flesh-colored, pink, tan, or brown. Sometimes, BCC causes a sore that bleeds, then crusts over. You could also have a pink growth with tiny blood vessels or a scaly patch of red skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC, the second most common type, usually begins as dry, rough, grayish patches called actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is a benign (noncancerous) condition that can turn into cancer.

Melanoma

Melanoma, the least common but most deadly skin cancer, may begin in an existing mole or appear as a new lesion that looks like a mole.

How can I prevent skin cancer?

You can prevent skin cancer by protecting your skin from natural sunlight and staying away from tanning beds. Preventive steps include wearing protective clothing and applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every time you go outside.

Another preventive step is examining your skin every month, looking for new skin lesions or changes in old lesions and moles. 

Despite the crucial role of sunlight, some types of skin cancer develop in areas that are seldom exposed to sunlight. That’s why it’s important to schedule yearly full-body skin exams at Saddle River Skin and Mohs Surgery, LLC.

How is skin cancer treated?

Your provider recommends the best skin cancer treatment based on the type of cancer, its stage, and its location. They often recommend treatments such as:

• Mohs surgery
• Surgical excision
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Topical medications
• Laser ablation

If you need a full-body skin cancer exam or expert treatment, call Saddle River Skin and Mohs Surgery, LLC, or book an appointment online today.