What may seem like a harmless mole with oddly scalloped edges may be the start of melanoma — a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Fortunately, regular skin cancer screenings from Anders Dermatology, serving Toledo, OH, and the nearby regions can help cancer to be caught and treated early, leading to the best prognosis.

Skin Cancer Isn't Always Noticeable

Because skin cancer can present itself as a sore, growth, or odd patch of skin, it's easy to downplay the blemish and move on, hoping it'll go away. Sometimes, a mole you felt was normal may be melanoma, which can spread rapidly.

As a result, getting routine skin cancer screenings in Toledo, OH, is essential to find cancer in a spot you didn't realize was cancer before it has the opportunity to spread.

Even when a dermatologist examines a particular area of concern, it isn't always immediately known that the spot is potentially cancerous. Sometimes, a dermatoscopy is needed to assess the area better. In fact, even if there are no visible spots, this tool may help a practitioner spot possible cancer.

Some Skin Cancer Is Deadly

While both squamous-cell and basal cells rarely have the opportunity to become potentially lethal, melanoma is a form that can spread to the nearby lymph nodes and even travel to your organs, especially the liver, lungs, and brain. 

In the early stages, the five-year survival rate of melanoma is 99 percent. But, whenever the cancer has an opportunity to spread internally beyond the lymph nodes, that five-year survival rate drops to around 30 percent. 

That's why we can't stress enough to get routine skin cancer screenings to detect the problem early.

Treatment Becomes More Aggressive

In the early stages, melanoma and other forms of skin cancer can be removed through a surgical procedure, curettage, and electrodesiccation, a laser, cryotherapy (freezing), or a topical. 

Particularly in the case of melanoma, once the cancer spreads, these treatments are no longer options. To treat the cancer, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or internal surgery will be necessary. These come with their share of risks, especially if you have any chronic health conditions. And, though we hate to be grim, these options aren't always effective for every patient.

Suppose you have a peculiar skin issue that you fear could be cancer. In that case, we always recommend scheduling an appointment with Anders Dermatology, serving Toledo, OH, and the neighboring communities, to know for sure. We also recommend routine skin cancer screenings because these can save lives, even if you don't have any visible signs.

Contact us at 419-473-3257 today.