This magnified image shows a basal cell carcinoma. While dermatologist can spot this common skin cancer in a skin exam, it is only through a microscope that we can make a definitive diagnosis that it is a skin cancer. That is why at Vanguard, our team includes both dermatologists and dermatopathologists. The diagnostic stage of […]
Melanoma
Melanoma: The Skin Cancer that Keeps Us Up at Night
Based on a new study published by the American Cancer Society, cases of melanoma—the deadliest of all skin cancers—are expected to increase by 4.4% in 2023, accounting for an estimated 186,680 cases in the United States alone. Only 1% of total skin cancer cases are melanomas, but this form of cancer is responsible for the […]
Can I Get Melanoma in the Genital Area?
One of the greatest misconceptions about skin cancer is that it only forms in areas of the body that experience sun exposure. While it is more common to see melanoma on the face, neck, arms, legs, and back, the truth is that melanoma can—and will—appear on any part of the body that is covered in […]
Why is Melanoma on the Rise? Tips for Protecting Your Skin
At Vanguard, we spend an incredible amount of time discussing the dangers of melanoma skin cancer. Many of these conversations are had behind closed doors during one-on-one exams with our patients. We also strive to educate the public through blogs, local news segments, and annual events and fundraisers. The reason we tend to give melanoma […]
Skin Cancer on the Eyelids—Why We See This Form of Skin Cancer So Often
When most of us think about the possibility of developing skin cancer, we most likely envision questionable lesions on parts of our bodies that experience the highest rate of sun exposure: the bridge of our nose, the flesh of our cheeks, the skin of our arms, shoulders, and upper chest. While these areas are certainly […]
Understanding The Three Major Types of Skin Cancer
Of all the dermatologic concerns facing Vanguard patients, one of the most common—and certainly the most worrisome—is skin cancer. Skin cancer is so common, in fact, that it accounts for more cancer diagnoses in the United States each year than all other forms of cancer combined. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will […]
Melanoma Can Affect Anyone—A Vanguard Patient Story
By Rachel Frederickson, PA-C In the fall of 2021, I met with a patient named Anne (not real name) for a rash on her arms. Towards the end of her appointment, she mentioned that she had some moles on her trunk that were irritated by her clothing. We scheduled a follow-up visit to remove those […]