The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, with millions of incidents reported every year. As with many skin cancers, it is most often detected in areas of the skin that experience frequent sun exposure, like the face, ears, neck, and shoulders. Skin cancer can run in families, and people with fair skin and blue or green eyes are more susceptible.

The tumors of basal cell carcinoma do not usually spread (metastasize), but you should always seek treatment if you detect anything unusual.

Some early warning signs of basal cell carcinoma include:

• Wounds that don’t heal—If you notice a sore that repeatedly appears to heal, and then starts bleeding again, over several weeks, then you should have it checked by a dermatologist.
• Mole-like or pearly bumps—These may be clear, but often appear reddish, pinkish, or white. The darker ones can be confused with moles, so you should definately have any suspicious looking moles checked out more carefully.
• Skin patches—Small areas of scar-like skin may appear with rough borders. Red patches of inflamed skin can appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, shoulders, and chest.
• Pink growths—If you notice something with a crust-like center and ruffled edges, be sure to bring it to the attention of your dermatologist.

If any of these signs appear on your skin, it’s always a good idea to have them diagnosed by a skin care professional to ensure proper identification and treatment. Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology has been treating patients for hair, skin, and nail problems for over 30 years, and has the extensive background needed to help address a variety of dermatological issues. Dr. Vaillant has successfully treated acne, eczema, dandruff, hair loss, psoriasis, and nail fungus. If you are looking for an amiable, highly skilled dermatologist, call our office in Old Bridge, NJ at (732) 679-0222 and make an appointment.