Understanding Skin Cancer in Fargo this Summer
Summer is almost here, and while that means enjoying a variety of outdoor activities, it also means your skin will be exposed to the sun much more. That means your risk of developing skin cancer goes up as well, and when it comes to skin cancer, early detection is key. Let’s take a look at some of the skin cancer treatments we offer at the Fargo Center for Dermatology and ways you can reduce your risk of skin cancer.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer comes in a variety of different forms, but is a condition where the skin cells grow abnormally. It’s most often caused by exposure to the sun. There are three types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma: often appears as a slight bump and often shows up on the head or neck; often caused by long-term UV exposure
- Squamous cell carcinoma: usually not life-threatening, caused by too much exposure to sunlight or tanning beds, and starts in the cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin
- Melanoma: most often found on the legs, arms, back, and face, starts in the melanocytes that give the skin its color, and can develop quickly and be life-threatening.
Skin Health During the Summer in Fargo
Fargo, North Dakota is not known for its sunshine, but we get a fair bit of it once summer comes around, providing us with some much-needed Vitamin D. However, with the sun, comes harmful UV rays that can increase your risk for skin cancer. When your skin is unprotected, you can experience sun damage, premature signs of aging, sunburn, and, ultimately, skin cancer. As skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer in the US, it’s essential to know how to prevent it and what treatment options are available.
Skin Cancer Treatment
At Fargo Center for Dermatology, we understand the significance of early detection and prevention when it comes to skin cancer. That’s why regular skin checks with Dr. Ness or another member of our team are so important. We can catch skin cancer before it becomes more serious and spreads.
If we do find a mole or growth that is cancer, we offer a wide range of treatments and procedures to remove it before it can spread. Some of the treatments we offer include:
- Surgical excision
- Electrodesiccation & Curettage
- Cryotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT)
Which treatment is right for you depends on how much the skin cancer has progressed, whether it’s likely the cancer will return or not, and where it is on the body.
Stay Safe with Skin Cancer Prevention
Regular use of sunscreens, wearing protective clothing, regular skin checks, and monitoring your skin for any changes are a few ways you can keep yourself safe and reduce the risk of skin cancer, especially during the summer.
At Fargo Center for Dermatology, we are here to ensure you have all the knowledge and tools you need to reduce your risk of skin cancer and other skin conditions. We are always here to assist you with all your skin health needs.
Schedule A Consultation Today
Spring and summer are the perfect times to ensure your skin is protected from the sun. You can enjoy the warm weather while keeping your skin safe.
At the Fargo Center for Dermatology, your health and peace of mind are our top priority. Whether you need a regular skin check or are experiencing another skin concern, we can help you with all your skin health needs. Schedule a consultation today by calling our Fargo, ND office at 701-478-8780 or filling out our online contact form.