Skin Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Treatment in Pittsburgh, PA
Wearing sun screen and protective gear anytime you are exposed to sun is important to preventing skin damage and skin cancer.
Though people with fair skin that burns easily are more at risk for developing skin cancer, everyone is at risk for skin cancer. Regardless of your skin tone, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your skin from overexposure. Protecting your skin from extensive sun exposure can also help prevent wrinkles, sunspots, and uneven skin tone.
If you notice a change in your moles or would like to schedule a routine skin cancer screening, contact Weirton Medical Center to meet with our dermatologists. To schedule a consultation at our dermatology clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, please call (412) 857-2609 today.
To Protect Your Skin
- Limit direct sunlight during the hours of 10am and 4pm when the UV rays are strongest.
- Monitor the UV index to prevent overexposure on days when the Index is moderate or higher.
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF on any exposed skin, and don't forget to re-apply at least every 2 hours. The effectiveness of sunscreen depends on the SPF, which is the sun protection factor, and Weirton Medical Center recommends at least 30 SPF. Broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect your skins from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Wear clothing and other protective gear, like a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, to increase sun protection and decrease potential damage.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are different types of skin cancer that have different warning signs and will look differently on your skin.
- Melanoma. Melanoma often resembles moles and are usually black or brown. Asymmetry, an uneven border, and having a variety of colors are signs that a mole is malignant Melanoma. It is the most common form of cancer in people ages 25 - 29, but people of all ages should check their skin each month to detect abnormalities early on.
- Basic Cell Carcinoma. Basic Cell Carcinoma is the most frequently occurring type of skin cancer, and almost half of Americans will have either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma at least once by the age of 65. This type of skin cancer typically looks like sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or a scar.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The warning signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma are3 a thick, rough, scaly patch that will bleed if irritated. It can also look like an open sore or a wart.
An odd looking mole might just seem like an abnormality to some people, but it can be a sign of something much more serious. Dermatologists are the only ones who can tell if a mole is cancerous, so be sure to schedule an appointment with Weirton Medical Center if you notice a discolored mole.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Our Dermatologists will do a skin cancer screening during an exam to identify any moles or lesions that may be skin cancer. If skin cancer is confirmed, she can perform surgery to remove and treat it.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening Today!
Our dermatologists provide skin cancer screenings during exams to identify any moles or lesions that may be skin cancer. If skin cancer is confirmed, your provider will discuss the treatment option based on your diagnosis. To schedule your skin cancer screening at our dermatology clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, please call (412) 857-2609.