Skin cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in the United States. Fortunately, it's highly treatable when detected early. At Shady Grove Dermatology, five board-certified dermatologists and their team arm patients with pertinent information about skin cancer. It's just part of the outstanding comprehensive care this Rockville medical practice offers.

FAQs about skin cancer

How common is skin cancer in Rockville and across the United States?

A full 20 percent of American adults will develop some type of skin cancer in their lifetimes, says the Skin Cancer Foundation.

What is the most common skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently occurring skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma ranks second. Both affect the epidermis, or top layer, of the skin.

Why is application of sun screen important?

Sun screen lotions provide excellent protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 15 or higher used liberally on exposed areas of the skin, particularly during the peak sun exposure between 10 am to 4 pm. Ultraviolet radiation is a key player in skin cancer and aging.

What are skin self-examinations?

They are monthly visual inspections of your entire skin surface. Done in the privacy of your own home, self-exams look at any and all spots, freckles, and moles. You look for changes in their shape, size, borders, texture, and color. In general, your dermatologist should check any sore which does not heal in two weeks and continues to itch, bleed, or ooze. So, if something seems suspicious, get to Shady Grove Dermatology right away for expert diagnosis.

What is a biopsy?

Your physician takes a tissue sample from a suspect lesion in order to examine it for cancer cells. A biopsy also tells the doctor how advanced the disease is.

How is skin cancer treated?

Much depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Surgical excision at the doctor's office is common. Cryosurgery (freezing), radiation, and drug therapies prove effective, and innovative MOHS surgery, performed at Shady Grove Dermatology, removes and analyzes lesions layer by layer, removing spots completely and sparing healthy tissue.

What's so bad about indoor tanning?

Indoor tanning exposes the skin to intense ultra-violet light, a definite cancer-causing agent, reports the US Department of Health and Human Services. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that annually, almost half a million new cases of skin cancer in the US are attributable to indoor tanning.

Learn all you can

Education about skin cancer empowers you to live a long, healthy life. Your dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, excel in skin cancer care, as well as scores of other medical and aesthetic services. Call today for your skin examination at (240) 246-7417.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting millions. There is a 99 percent survival rate when skin cancer is found in its earliest stages. Regular self-skin exams and annual skin exams by a doctor help people find early skin cancers. Shady Grove Dermatology, which is located in Rockville, MD, offers skin cancer screening and diagnostic services to their patients.

Basal cell carcinoma- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a cancer that grows on parts of your skin that get a lot of sun. The tumors start off as small "pearly" bumps, that look like flesh-colored moles or pimples that don't go away. Sometimes these growths can look dark. But you can get them on any part of your body, including your arms, trunk, or legs. BCC is the least dangerous type of skin cancer. As long as it is found early, you can be cured.

Squamous cell carcinoma- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is usually found on areas of the body damaged by UV rays from tanning beds or the sun. Sun-exposed skin includes the neck, head, chest, back, lips, ears, hands, arms, and legs. SCC tends to grow slowly. Unlike other types of skin cancer, it can spread to the bones, tissues, and lymph nodes, where it may become difficult to treat. When found early, it's easy to treat.

Melanoma- Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body. Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the color, size, shape, or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black-blue or black area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the survival rate from malignant melanoma.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma- Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that begins in Merkel cells that, along with nerve endings, give the skin its sense of touch. MCC is ore common in areas of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the scalp or face. The first sign of MCC is usually a painless tumor on your skin. The nodule may be skin-colored or may appear in shades of blue, red, or purple. MCC may metastasize to the bones, brain, lungs, or liver.

Kaposi Sarcoma- Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus. KS is mostly seen in individuals with an HIV infection. It can also affect individuals with a weakened immune system. KS usually appears as lesions or tumors on the skin. They aren't itchy or painful, and they don't drain. Tumors may also develop in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, or mouth.

Ready to take control of your health? You have the power to manage your health. If you need a mole check, call Shady Grove Dermatology at (240) 246-7417 right now to schedule your annual skin cancer screening in Rockville, MD. A simple skin cancer screening could save your life!

If you are dealing with breakouts as an adult find out the most effective treatment option.

You thought once your teen years passed that you were safe from acne. Unfortunately, your Rockville, MD, dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology see many clients that are still dealing with acne issues well into their 40s and 50s. In fact, more than half of women over 25 years old are dealing with some form of facial acne. So, what gives? Why are you still dealing with acne as an adult and how can you minimize breakouts for clearer skin and a more confident appearance?

Here are some ways to manage your acne as an adult,

Get Your Stress Under Control

We know; it’s easier said than done. But one of the major factors behind breakouts for adults is stress. That’s because stress triggers the release of hormones (thanks, cortisol!), which triggers oil glands to work overtime. This is why it’s important to find activities such as yoga or meditation that can decrease your stress levels and leave your skin looking its best.

Keep Skin Clean

This might seem like an obvious rule but you’d be surprised how many people don’t keep their skin as clean as they should. Do you wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and at night? Are you wearing makeup to the gym or not washing your face after a hardcore sweat session? If you said yes, then this could be triggering your breakouts. Before heading to the gym or a run, pack some cleansing facial wipes to remove makeup before any physical activity.

Take a Look at Your Birth Control

Many young women go on birth control because some of these contraceptive pills are actually designed to prevent breakouts. While birth control pills with estrogen can reduce breakouts, these pills are becoming less popular and are being replaced with progesterone pills, which can actually lead to breakouts.

Some women who have other forms of birth control like a hormonal IUD don’t even realize that this could be the cause of their breakouts. Of course, before you run to your doctor to switch your birth control, talk to your Rockville, MD, skin doctor, who may be able to provide you with other medications that can help regulate your hormones and reduce oil gland production.

Fight Back

If you are dealing with moderate and persistent breakouts then it’s time to see a dermatologist. In this case, we can prescribe stronger medications like retinoids, topical antibiotics and even tretinoin (for severe cystic acne). A nice bonus is that retinoids can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

If you are an adult living in Rockville, MD, who is struggling to get their acne under control then it’s time to turn to the experts for help. Call (240) 246-7417 today to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology!

It’s important to know the warning signs of skin cancer. Do you know what to look for?

Most healthy moles are present at birth or develop throughout your youth. Of course, if a mole or lesion crops up later in life you may be wondering if you need to visit our Rockville, MD, dermatologists. After all, the sooner you catch skin cancer, the easier it will be to treat. So, here’s what to look for to determine whether or not a bump, lump, growth, or lesion requires a proper medical evaluation.

More about Moles

If you discover a new spot or growth anywhere on your body that changes in color, size, or shape, this could be a warning sign of melanoma (a potentially life-threatening type of skin cancer). In this case, your first step should be to check the suspicious growth against your other moles, for if it looks different from the rest, then it might be cancerous. The ABCDE rule is one that everyone should follow if they want to look for signs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: Both sides of a mole should look identical to one another. As such, draw an imaginary line down the middle of the growth. If the two sides don’t look the same, the mole should be checked out by one of the skin doctors here at our Rockville office.
• Border: A healthy mole will have a very clearly defined, smooth border. If the mole has a ragged, uneven, or poorly defined border, this could be another sign of skin cancer.
• Color: While moles can be different shades of brown or tan, it’s important to recognize that healthy moles should only be a single color. If you notice that the mole has multiple colors or is changing color, this is a warning sign.
• Diameter: Healthy moles are typically pretty small, measuring less than 6mm across (this is about the size of a pencil eraser). Most melanomas are larger than this, even though there are some melanomas that can also be much smaller.
• Evolving: As we mentioned before, a mole should stay relatively the same over time. If you notice that a growth is changing in size, shape, or color, then it’s worth having it checked out.

While this rule can save lives, it’s important to realize that not all cases of melanoma follow these rules. This is why it’s important for everyone to come in at least once a year for a comprehensive skin cancer screening.

Concerned? Give Us a Call!

If it’s time to schedule a screening, or if you are noticing any changes in your skin, it’s a good time to call Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD. Call us today at 240-246-7417 to schedule an appointment.

Learn More About Skin Cancer and Its Early Warning Signs

While we know the last thing you want to think about is skin cancer, it is extremely important that you don’t ignore the warning signs. After all, with more than 3 million Americans affected each year, skin cancer is more common than you might realize. Luckily, if skin cancer is caught soon enough, our Rockville, MD, dermatologists can treat the problem before it causes more serious and life-threatening problems. Here’s what you need to know about skin cancer, the warning signs, and your treatment options.

Different Kinds of Skin Cancer

While most people have heard of melanoma, which is the most deadly form of skin cancer, it isn’t the only kind. Skin cancer also includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma; both can appear just about anywhere on the body but are most likely to develop on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun.

Basal cell carcinomas usually appear as flesh-colored or waxy bumps and are often found on the neck or face. Squamous cell carcinomas often develop on the ears, face, or hands, and appears as flat, red lesions that may be scaly or crusted over.

Signs of Melanoma

It’s important that you are performing a self-exam on your skin about once a month so that you are able to detect changes as soon as possible. If in doubt, call your Rockville, MD, skin doctor and let us know what symptoms you are noticing. It’s always best to play it safe when it comes to your health. Of course, there are some warning signs to look out for, including:

• A very large mole or brown lesion (larger than the size of a pencil eraser)
• A mole that isn’t symmetrical or has a poorly defined border
• A mole that changes in size, shape or color
• A mole or dark spot that bleeds

Treating Skin Cancer

In order to create a treatment plan that will be effective, we will need to perform tests to determine the type and severity of your skin cancer. In order to diagnose skin cancer, we will often take a biopsy of the lesion or growth for testing. Skin care treatments include:

• Excisional Surgery: One of the most common treatment options, excisional surgery is a procedure that cuts away and removes the lesion, extracting some healthy skin along with it. This is an effective measure for removing both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Mohs Surgery: Another popular way to treat skin cancer, Mohs surgery is performed by removing thin layers of the cancerous growth until the cancer is completely gone. This process takes longer than other methods, however, it is often ideal because it preserves more of the healthy skin around the cancerous growth than traditional surgery.
• Electrosurgery: This method treats small or superficial cancerous lesions. It involves scraping the growth with a special tool before burning the area to kill remaining cancer cells. This procedure will often need to be repeated several times in order to completely remove the cancer and is not an option for patients who have cancer in difficult-to-treat areas such as the eyelids or lips, or those with more invasive carcinomas.
• Cryosurgery: If you are dealing with superficial squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), then cryosurgery, the process of freezing the lesion, may be all you need. This procedure can be performed without anesthesia, as there is absolutely no cutting required. Sometimes multiple sessions are required to fully treat the SCCs.

Call Today

If you are noticing any suspicious growths or changes to your skin, it’s important that you have the issue checked out as soon as possible by a skin care professional. Turn to the experts at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, by calling (240) 246-7417.