An actinic keratosis (plural: actinic keratoses) is a common skin growth. In fact, AK treatment is one of the most common reasons that people visit the dermatologist. AKs are caused by years of unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning beds. AKs are considered precancerous growths. If left untreated, they may … Continued
If you have acne, also called acne vulgaris, you’re not alone. It is the most common skin condition in the United States. Approximately 40 to 50 million Americans have acne. Most are teens and young adults but it can occur at any age.Newborns get acne. Children get acne. Even menopausal women get acne. At any … Continued
Check your skin: Skin self-exams can help melanoma survivors find another melanoma early. If you’ve been treated for melanoma, you may never get another melanoma. Many people don’t. But it’s important to know that you have a greater risk of getting another one. Anyone who has had melanoma has this risk. Melanoma can also come … Continued
Lymph system: We have lymph nodes, which are connected by lymph vessels (shown in green), throughout our body. The largest number of lymph nodes are found in our neck, armpits, and groin. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread quickly. When melanoma starts to spread, it often travels to a lymph node … Continued
Reviewing x-ray: FDA-approved combinations of medications can shrink melanoma tumors and stop the cancer from spreading for a longer time. If you have advanced melanoma, this means the cancer has spread. Surgery alone cannot remove the cancer. You’ll need other treatment. One option that your doctor may talk about is combination therapy. It involves using … Continued
By age 50, men are more likely than women to develop melanoma. Sun protection can reduce this risk. Researchers have found yet another way that men and women differ. Melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, affects the sexes differently. Men are more likely to die of melanoma than women. This is true at any age. White … Continued
Family tree: About 10% of melanomas are caused by a gene mutation (change) that passes from one generation to the next. If you’re worried about getting melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, you may be wondering whether you should have genetic testing. After all, genetic testing is now used find a person’s risk for many diseases. … Continued
It’s natural to worry after being diagnosed with melanoma. Getting help dealing with worry and other emotions can bring peace of mind. After a melanoma diagnosis, feelings of worry, fear, or anxiety can be overwhelming. To find out what can help ease these feelings, researchers talked with thousands of melanoma patients and survivors. Here’s what … Continued
Also called Mohs micrographic surgery Used to treat skin cancer, this surgery has a unique benefit. During surgery, the surgeon can see where the cancer stops. This isn’t possible with other types of treatment for skin cancer. The ability to see where the cancer stops gives Mohs (pronounced Moes) two important advantages: Mohs has a … Continued
Skin reaction from targeted therapy: Caught early, many skin reactions can be treated so that you don’t have to stop targeted therapy. Are you receiving targeted therapy to treat skin cancer — or any other cancer? If so, dermatologists recommend that you pay close attention to your skin. Skin reactions are the most common side … Continued
