At his Wolcott, CT, practice, Dr. Jurzyk uses skilled diagnostic and treatment techniques to identify and treat all types of skin cancers, helping prevent disease progression so patients can avoid potentially deadly complications.
Skin Cancer Q&A
Is melanoma the only kind of cancer there is?
No; melanoma is actually the least common type of skin cancer, accounting for only about five percent of skin cancer cases, but it’s also by far the most deadly, which is why we tend to hear so much about melanoma. The other two major types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common, accounting for about 80 percent to 85 percent of all cases, and squamous cell carcinoma, which makes up about 10 percent of all skin cancer cases.
Are all moles cancerous?
No, most moles are not cancerous; however, some moles can become cancerous, and melanoma can resemble a mole. The American Academy of Dermatology advises people to seek evaluation of any mole that looks suspicious, including those that fall under the ABCDE guidelines:
- Asymmetrical – one side of the mole is shaped or colored differently than the other
- Border – the mole has an uneven or ragged border
- Color – the mole has multiple colors
- Diameter – the mole is larger than a pencil eraser
- Evolving – the mole has changed size, shape or some other characteristic
Is there anything I can do to help prevent skin cancer?
Once of the most important things you can do is avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen on a regular basis on any areas exposed to the sun, including the back of your neck, your ears and the tops of your feet while wearing sandals or going barefoot. Having routine skin cancer screenings is also essential for identifying early signs of cancer so it can be treated before it has a chance to progress to a more serious stage. You can also check your skin monthly between regular professional screenings; call the office if you notice any unusual moles or other abnormal areas like rough or discolored patches.
