If you have never been to a  dermatologist, it may be time to schedule an appointment. Dermatologists don't just help treat acne and wrinkles, but they also help prevent, screen for, and treat skin cancer. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

What Are the Types of Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer includes many forms of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma attacks the basal cells in the lower epidermis. They may look like small sores that scab up and then return or a pearly bump. They develop slowly and are one of the most common types of skin cancer.

Melanoma develops where the dermis and epidermis meet. It's less common than many other forms of skin cancer, but it can develop on nearly any part of the body and is often associated with misshapen moles. Squamous cell carcinoma often appears as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion. It forms in the squamous cells in the epidermis.

What Are the Causes of Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer develops when the affected cells mutate into cancerous cells. While there is no exact cause of any type of cancer, there is one leading risk factor for skin cancer: UV exposure. If you have a history of UV exposure from tanning or working outside, you may have a higher risk of skin cancer.

Other risk factors that can increase the risk of skin cancer include:

• A lighter skin tone
• Blue/green eyes and blond/red hair
• Certain moles
• Family or personal history of skin cancer

How Is Skin Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity. You may simply need to have the tissue removed. They can do this with surgery or by freezing the cancer. In many cases, the dermatologist may remove a problematic mole before it can turn into cancer. Of course, if the cancer spreads, you may need additional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments.

You can help prevent your risk of skin cancer by avoiding too much exposure to the sun. You should also avoid tanning beds. If you do go out into the sun, use SPF sunscreen and wear a hat to hide your face and neck.

If you suspect you have skin cancer, or you've never been screened for skin cancer, it's time to schedule an appointment. Like any form of cancer, skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body. If you would like to know more, contact a dermatologist today.

Turn to a medical service like Advanced Dermatology of Northern California to learn more.