Leading the Way Towards Cancer-Free Skin in California
Dr. Alexis Dougherty, Dr. Rikk Lynn, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartman, and Kaitlin Williams, PA-C are highly experienced and skilled providers who see patients daily for skin cancer at Kind Dermatology and Medical Spa in Santa Barbara, CA. They will discuss how skin examinations are done and why this is critical.
Skin Carcinoma Examinations
Our doctors have you remove all clothing items and apply a hospital gown. If you have no concerns in your private area, then you are likely to leave on your underwear. Our doctors are highly trained to visualize possible skin carcinoma by simply looking at your skin. They may use a specialized hand-held magnifying glass to look at the first and second layers of skin in suspicious areas. Our doctors quickly check every inch of your body from in between your toes to your scalp. Kind Dermatology and Medical Spa in Santa Barbara, CA, explains that catching skin cancer early increases your chances of becoming cancer-free.
Types of Skin Carcinoma
Basal Cell
Common
Fair-skinned people
Flesh-colored, round, pearl or pinkish
Due to excessive sun exposure
Targets legs, abdomen, chest, arms, neck, head
Can grow deep and penetrate nerves and bones
Squamous Cell
Second most common
Firm, red, scaly, bump, sore that heals, re-opens
People with light or dark skin
Due to excess sun exposure
Targets back, chest, arms, neck, face, ears
Grows deep into the skin, spreads to other areas of the body
Actinic Keratoses
People who have fair skin
Target forearms, hands, neck, head
Dry, scaly, precancerous growths
Due to excess sun exposure
Turns into squamous cell carcinoma (early treatment essential)
Melanoma
Deadly
Quickly spreads
Develops within a mole, different-looking
Early diagnosis, treatment, vital
Observe ABCDE warning signs of this type to identify
(A) Asymmetry - 1/2 is unlike the other 1/2
(B) Border - Irregular with poorly defined edges
(C) Color - Various colors: tan, brown, black, white, red, blue
(D) Diameter - About the size of a pencil eraser
(E) Evolving - Changes in size, shape, color
Merkel cell
Dermatofibroscarcoma
Sebaceous
Seeking a Quality Dermatology Doctor in CA?
Please call 805-687-5538 at Kind Dermatology and Medical Spa to schedule your skin cancer examination in Santa Barbara, CA.
Our doctors love giving patients a clean health bill for their peace of mind. If our doctors find skin carcinoma, they have trending treatment options to meet your needs. Call us anytime for any skin issue, and we will give you excellent care.
Schedule your skin checkup yearly. If you have a history of skin carcinoma, we highly recommend you schedule it at least every six months.
