Skin cancer, also known as melanoma, affects most people in the United States. Luckily, early detection allows for easy treatment. Complications that arise from skin cancer occur due to a lack of early treatment or diagnosis. This condition occurs when abnormal cells grow on the skin due to too much exposure to ultraviolet light. Leaving it untreated can cause inflammation and spread to the rest of the body. If your skin begins to change in color or develop any abnormal spots, you should seek medical attention for diagnosis. Your trusted specialists for melanoma in Flemington offer modern treatment plans to deal with this condition.
When should I see my doctor?
It is advisable to seek medical help whenever you feel any unusual changes in your skin. If you visit your doctor for diagnosis and find the condition at its early stage, your doctor can quickly treat it. You should see your doctor when you notice the following in your skin:
· An unusual spot on the skin
· Presence of skin tags that may sometimes change color, size, or shape.
· Presence of colored lesions with irregular borders.
· An itching lesion.
· A sore that does not heal after a few weeks.
· A bleeding sore.
How is melanoma diagnosed?
During diagnosis, your doctor usually starts with a physical examination. Your doctor can establish whether that unusual spot on your skin is melanoma. Your doctor may ask about when the spots occurred and if it has changed in its appearance. They may also need to know whether it is painful, burning, or itchy. Your specialist may ask if you have ever encountered sunburns or tanning before and family history of melanoma. Other tests that you may receive include:
Biopsy
During a skin biopsy, your doctor may remove part of the growth in the skin for examination in the laboratory. During the removal, you may be injected with anesthesia to numb the area. Your doctor may also conduct a further test to check whether the condition has spread beneath the skin. This is done by checking the lymph nodes; lymph nodes may need to be removed for screening in the laboratory.
Imaging
Melanoma can spread beyond the skin to the bones. Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may help check cancer cells in the body.
How should I prepare for a doctor’s appointment?
Before going for a checkup, you should book an appointment with your specialist. Going for a medical checkup can cause anxiety. This explains why you need to prepare for such an appointment with your doctor. Preparation for a checkup helps you benefit, and it will also help your doctor accurately diagnose your disorder. Here are a few helpful tips to help you prepare:
· Keep a diary of the condition; note how your patches or lesion appear and any changes in shape and color.
· Write down questions that you feel need to be answered by your doctor.
· List down any medical conditions you may have.
· Ensure your skin is clean from makeup or jewelry to provide clear skin for screening.
Ask your doctor what you need to do before the procedure. Most cancers are curable at early stages, but if left untreated, they can spread to the rest of the body and cause further complications. If you would like to treat or receive a diagnosis of melanoma, book an appointment with your doctor at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC.