Many skin cancers can be cured by finding and treating them when small. But, to find them, people must understand what to look for and regularly perform self-skin exams at home and with a dermatologist.

These exams rely on biopsy procedures that remove questionable skin tissue and check it under a microscope for cancer cells. Learn more about these biopsy procedures and their importance in diagnosing skin cancer.

Less Invasive Treatments

The cancer cells that cause skin cancer grow in the outer layer of your skin. These cells are visible to the naked eye, so skin exams at home and in a doctor’s office are important for catching them early.

Most basal and squamous cell carcinomas are small enough to be surgically removed with a local anesthetic. Other skin cancer treatment Memphis may be needed if the cancer has spread (metastasized) from the original lesion.

These may include radiation therapy or immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer. Adding these to surgery decreases the chance of the cancer returning or spreading to other areas of your body.

Some cancers, such as melanoma, maybe too far advanced to treat by surgery alone. In this case, the doctor may want to observe and monitor the tumor closely over time. This is called palliative care. A doctor may also use other tests, such as imaging or lymph node biopsies, to determine if the cancer has spread.

Better Cure Rates

Many skin cancers that develop inside the body are often curable if detected and treated early. The best way to do this is by recognizing and monitoring changing blemishes, including those that are itchy or bumpy, bleed easily, ooze, or change in color or shape.

People should learn to examine their skin daily. Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the most common skin cancers. They grow slowly and can be cured by surgery. But if left untreated, they can spread to other body parts and become disfiguring or fatal.

OHSU researchers are working to improve melanoma detection by introducing regular targeted skin examinations with trained primary care providers (PCPs). A cost-effectiveness analysis has shown that, compared to primary prevention, a targeted screening program will result in 2419 fewer melanomas and 567 fewer melanoma deaths for every 100 000 individuals, plus 2.46 million quality-adjusted life years saved and savings of PS406.1 million.

Less Disfigurement

Most basal and squamous skin cancers, even the most serious types like melanoma, are curable. These are often easily treatable if they’re caught early on when they’re small and localized.

Regular self-examinations of the skin—particularly on areas of the body that are difficult to see, such as the backs of the legs and arms—can help detect changes in spots or freckles that could signal a cancerous change. When checking these hard-to-see places, asking a partner or friend to assist you is good.

New noninvasive imaging tools also help. For example, doctors can use a scanner to create a 3-D image of the patient’s entire body, which allows them to quickly and accurately find problem lesions. They can also look at lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread. These are known as staging tests.

Fewer Side Effects

Most skin cancers are easily cured when they’re caught early. But they can also become disfiguring if they’re left to grow. And some can spread to other parts of the body and kill.

Because they’re visible, spotting them is easy with regular self-examination and visits to the dermatologist for a professional evaluation. Look for any mole or blemish that has changed in size, color, or texture or has an unusual growth pattern.

The new tool enables a cellular-level skin examination without needing a biopsy. It’s called reflection confocal microscopy (RCM) and is used in various clinical trials, including in combination with digital photography, to help avoid unnecessary excisions.

Visiting your family doctor is integral to overall health care and provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce healthy habits like eating a balanced diet and exercising. It’s also an excellent way to detect eye problems early, especially in children.

Improved Self-Esteem

Having a healthy vision can improve your family’s self-esteem. For children, it means they can see well enough to read books and participate in extracurricular activities. It also allows them to be more confident on the field or at school and can make a huge difference in their happiness. Similarly, adults with problems with their vision may have trouble functioning at work or home and can experience a drop in self-esteem. Annual eye exams can help your entire family feel better about themselves and their health. Finding a family eye care Harrisburg provider who can accommodate your whole family’s needs is essential. Look for a provider who welcomes kids, has extensive experience working with kids, and takes the time to educate them about their eye health and vision.

Improved Eye Health

Taking care of your family’s eyesight is essential for their overall well-being. Regular eye exams can help detect health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to eye disease. It also allows for the opportunity to make lifestyle changes, like incorporating eye-friendly nutrients such as Vitamin E into their diet. Moreover, visiting the family eye doctor regularly can encourage the household to adopt healthy habits like regular exercise, wearing sunglasses, and smoking less. This can help prevent common health conditions, including eye diseases and vision problems. By prioritizing family eye care services, your family can enjoy a life of good vision, participate in recreational activities, and boost their confidence.

Detecting Eye Problems Early

When juggling work, appointments, and children’s schedules, a routine eye exam can be the last thing on your mind. But if you wait until it’s too late, you could be putting yourself at risk of eye health and vision problems. Regular eye exams can help you and your family maintain good eyesight. They also give doctors a window into your overall health, detecting early signs of serious diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Eye exams can also reveal several other health issues, such as melanoma (dark spots on the eye), leukemia, and even a brain tumor.

Vision Therapy for Children

Vision therapy is similar to physical therapy, and it can strengthen the connection between your child’s eyes and brain. It can also alleviate digital eye strain symptoms such as dry eyes and headaches and help your child read more quickly and write legibly. Kids with poor visual skills can struggle academically. They may rush through assignments to avoid blurry or double vision, which can lead to careless mistakes. Getting a functional vision exam with an experienced children’s optometrist specializing in vision therapy can help.

Identifying Inherited Diseases

Inherited eye diseases like Stargardt, retinitis pigmentosa, and Usher syndrome are caused by defects (mutations) in one or more genes. Genetic testing can identify these genes and help doctors confirm or refine a diagnosis. It can also guide the testing of family members and help them understand their risk of developing the disease. It also enables them to qualify for clinical trials and informs them about which future therapies might benefit them. Aside from refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, many other eye conditions and diseases are hereditary. It is, therefore, essential to know your family’s eye health history and share this information with your optometrist. This knowledge can protect your vision and prevent eye diseases before they cause significant damage.