Leading GA Dermatologic Practice Explains Skin Carcinoma

Seven esteemed, experienced, skilled, and licensed doctors see patients daily for skin cancer at the Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases in four locations: Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Cumming, GA. Our doctors desire to help patients understand this cancer as much as possible.

Demystifying Skin Carcinoma: Types, Causes, and Risk Factors

Skin carcinoma is one of the easiest cancers to treat and eliminate if caught early through annual skin checkups. The reason for a skin checkup is to look for and identify any questionable areas so we can treat them as soon as possible. It would help if you also did a self-check of your skin at least monthly.

Causes of Skin Carcinoma

The Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases in Atlanta explains that there are many reasons for you to develop skin cancer: spending much time outside in the sun working or for leisure, frequent sunbathing, tanning beds, and genetics all play a part in the development of cancer. 

Four Types of Cancer

• Melanoma (dangerous)
• Squamous cell Carcinoma (most common)
• Basal cell carcinoma (most common)
• Actinic Keratosis (precancerous lesion)

Risk Factors

There are risk factors associated with skin carcinoma you need to be aware of. If you can associate yourself with any of the following, they increase your cancer risk, making annual checkups that much more vital. 

• In the sun, excessively
• Not applying sunscreen
• Tanning booths/beds
• History of sunburns
• Have light, sensitive, freckled skin
• Presence of moles
• Radiation exposure
• Family history of skin cancer
• Immune system deficit

During your consultation, please let our doctor know if you have any risk factors. They will let you know how often you need a skin check. If you notice any changes to a mole or a new, unusual skin spot, don't wait for your exam date; call and make an appointment as soon as possible.

If what we see is skin carcinoma, we can start treatment as quickly as possible. Our doctor injects anesthesia around the site, removes the top layer of skin, and sends it to the lab. This biopsy is quick and painless. 

Schedule Your Annual Skin Checkup Today

Please call one of our four office locations and schedule your annual skin cancer checkup with any of our seven esteemed doctors at the Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases at our central number (404) 252-4333 or any of the following four office locations.

If you have a history of skin carcinoma, you should schedule a skin checkup with us at least every six months. Checkups only take minutes, are painless and non-invasive.

• Sandy Springs Office - (404) 252-4333
• Rosewell Office - (770) 751-1133
• Alpharetta Office - (770) 664-5225
• Cumming Office - (770) 844-1902