Preventing the Risk of Skin Cancer from Sun Exposure

Skin cancer is a term that triggers much anxiety. To put your mind at ease, Long Island Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology wants to let you know the best methods to reduce the risks and complications of skin cancer.  It affects one in five Americans and is the most common form of cancer in the United States. That’s why our Huntington and Hicksville patients are encouraged to have regular skin examinations by a trained dermatologist at our Huntington dermatology or Hicksville dermatology office.

 

The primary step to protecting the skin is to limit UV ray exposure. Here are some strategies to help you block the harmful rays, especially when the sun is beating down hard.  
 

If you are regularly outside in the sun, you need to be more vigilant in regard to your skin. Go see a dermatologist if there is a spot on the skin that lasts for two weeks or longer. You need to note if that spot has changed shape or color, or if it’s bleeding or itching. A dermatologist is able to make a detailed inspection of the skin and will carefully examine the growths, moles, and dry patches. If something is found that resembles skin cancer, the growth may be removed and will be sent to a lab for a biopsy. If skin cancer is present, different options are available including Mohs surgery.

 

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure and is done by a dermatologist specialist. It is a precise surgical technique that removes layers of the skin until cancer-free tissue is obtained. Mohs surgery is typically used to treat skin cancers that:
 

One of the biggest advantages of this surgery is you know your results right away. You usually will not leave the appointment until all the skin cancer has been removed. Follow up visits are recommended with skin exams at least once or twice a year.

To learn more about skin cancer prevention or Mohs surgery, contact our Huntington office today 631-271-2769 or our Hicksville office 516-433-3200.