Skin Cancer

In the United States, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined. Since roughly one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, it’s critical to have regular skin checks at Naaman Clinic. As a leading skin cancer expert, Evans Bailey, MD, Ph.D. is known for his advanced skin cancer detection and removal techniques. Book your appointment with Dr. Bailey by calling either the Birmingham or Montgomery, Alabama, office, or by requesting an appointment online.

Skin Cancer Q & A

How do I know if I have skin cancer?

The only way to know for sure if you have skin cancer is to schedule a skin check with your dermatologist, which you should do every year. There are some signs you should watch out for between visits that may be suspicious, such as:

  • Dry, scaly patches (actinic keratosis)
  • Misshapen or growing moles (melanoma)
  • Flesh-colored or pearl-like bumps (basal cell carcinoma)
  • Red and firm patches (squamous cell carcinoma)

Skin cancer affects men and women of all ages, as well as all skin colors. Usually, however, your risk is higher if you’re fair skinned or if you burn easily in the sun.

Can I prevent skin cancer?

You might not be able to prevent skin cancer entirely, especially if it runs in your family, but you can certainly do several things to lower your risk. Some of the best ways to reduce your chances of skin cancer include:

  • Stay in the shade
  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen
  • Wear long sleeves and pants in the sun
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats outdoors
  • Avoid extended sun or tanning bed exposure

You should also check your skin regularly, paying close attention to moles and discolored spots that appear abnormal. It’s essential to have any new abnormalities evaluated by Dr. Bailey right away.

How is skin cancer treated?

If Dr. Bailey finds a suspicious patch of skin, he’s likely going to remove it and biopsy the cells. In some cases, this involves removing the mole or concerning spot, as well as surrounding tissue.

If you have a known skin tumor, Dr. Bailey may need to perform a Mohs surgery, which involves removing each layer of the cancer one at a time.

While removal treatment is permanent, in some cases, skin cancer comes back, or new cancerous cells develop. That’s why regular skin checks are essential if you’ve been through skin cancer treatment in the past.

Because Dr. Bailey has extensive training and experience with skin cancer removal treatments, you can feel confident that you’re in the most capable and caring hands. As a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery, Dr. Bailey is a highly sought-after skin cancer surgeon who is known for treating the most complex skin cancer cases.

Schedule your skin cancer screening or treatment at Naaman Clinic by calling either office or by requesting an appointment online.

* Individual results may vary.