Skin cancer can be a devastating disease to develop, which can prove to be fatal. Due to the extreme dangers of this disease, it is important to be an informed patient when it comes to this condition. To this end, you may benefit from learning the following answers to some fairly common questions. 

Is All Skin Cancer The Same?

There is a common misconception among some patients that all skin cancer is the same. However, this is not actually the case as there are several different types of skin cancer that a person can develop. Melanoma is one of the more well-known and deadly types of skin cancer, but patients may also be diagnosed with non-melanoma types of skin cancer, such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

What Are Your Treatment Options For Skin Cancer?

When a person is diagnosed with skin cancer, the type of treatments that are utilized will depend on the stage of the cancer. If this condition is diagnosed early, it may be possible to simply surgically remove the cancerous cells. Unfortunately, there may be instances where the cancer has reached an advanced stage, and this condition may require the use of chemotherapy or  radiation treatments to fight the cancer. By diagnosing this condition early, you will be more likely to have the full-range of treatment options available to you. 

What Steps Can You Take To Protect Yourself Against Skin Cancer?

Early detection is one of the most important factors in helping patients survive this condition. As a result, it is advisable for you to receive yearly cancer screenings (from professionals such as those from Vail Dermatology). During these screenings, a doctor will closely examine your skin for any of the early symptoms of this disease. In addition to being relatively short procedures, these screenings are usually covered under most insurance plans.

However, receiving regular screenings is not the only thing that you can do to help fight this condition. It is possible for you to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of developing cancer due to sun damage. By making sure to always wear sunscreen when you are outside, you can greatly reduce the odds of developing this condition. Sadly, there are some people that make the mistake of thinking that they only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days. However, the ultraviolet rays of light that cause skin damage can travel through clouds. Therefore, it is possible to suffer extensive sunburns and skin damage on days when the sun is hidden behind clouds.