When discussing the risks and potential signs of skin cancer, melanomas tend to hog the spotlight. Due to its severity and the potential for a life-threatening prognosis, this form of skin cancer is the most dreaded of all. However, with melanoma diagnoses accounting for only 1% of total skin cancer cases, it’s important that we […]
squamous cell carcinoma
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 […]
Skin Cancer Awareness: Early Detection and Prevention are Key
By Michael Leslie, MD, PhD As May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage each and every one of you to take a moment for self-care. With our hectic lifestyles and numerous obligations, it is easy to overlook the importance of a routine skin exam or push it […]
Vitamin D and Sun Protection – Can You Have the Best of Both Worlds?
By Dr. Renata Prado Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon I am frequently asked about vitamin D and my thoughts on the risk of deficiency with our recommended sun protection. We all agree on the importance of vitamin D. It is known to play many important roles in our body, such as calcium and phosphorus […]
Pre-Cancerous Spot: Is Actinic Keratosis serious?
You go to the dermatologist with some concerning spot, and you’re told that you have Actinic Keratosis (AK) or Actinic Keratoses (plural). The good news is…you don’t have skin cancer. . . yet. Approximately 58 million Americans have at least one AK, so you are not alone. Actinic keratosis is a common precancer on the […]
A Guide to Skin Cancer
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and if we could share one message, it is this — skin cancer is more common than you think. Fortunately, skin cancer is treatable if detected early. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US. Each year, doctors diagnose over 3 million Americans with […]