Skin cancer refers to the abnormal growth of skin cells and includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Skin cancer most commonly occurs in skin that regularly receives sun exposure but can develop anywhere on your body. While skin cancer pictures can give you a better idea of what to look for on your own body, they cannot replace a comprehensive skin check by a qualified dermatologist such as Dr. Peyman Ghasri.

Early detection of skin cancer can help improve outcomes. Skin cancer pictures can give you an idea of the types of spots, bumps, sores and moles to monitor. Sores that do not heal, scaly patches that are not associated with psoriasis or eczema, irregular moles, rapidly changing spots and other abnormalities should be evaluated as soon as possible. Regular skin checks should be performed monthly. Check all visible parts of your body, and use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check those hard-to-see areas, such as your back.

Although skin cancer can affect people of all ages and from all backgrounds, you may be at a higher risk if you have fair skin, naturally light hair or eyes, you tend to freckle or burn easily, you have a history of severe sunburns as a child, you work or otherwise spend considerable time in the sun or you live in a warm, sunny climate. You may also be at a higher risk if you have many moles or several abnormal moles, which tend to be larger than normal moles and irregularly shaped. Skin cancer pictures can be a great way of knowing what you need to look for, but only a dermatologist can provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and can become more common with age. Although most forms of skin cancer are highly treatable and have good prognoses, other types can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated properly. Browsing skin cancer pictures can help you learn more about the different types of skin cancer and help you better monitor your own skin. Contact our office today to learn more about maintaining skin health or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ghasri, our skin doctor in Los Angeles.