Drs Erin Fuller, Kevin Dawson, Sarah Grekin, Aaron Fong, and Rachel Inouye, PA-C at Dawson Dermatology can help you fight skin cancer in Honolulu, HI, and minimize your potential symptoms. Just as importantly, we can tell you the differences between nonmelanoma tumors and melanoma types. Knowing these varieties can make it easier for you to diagnose your condition and get the hands-on help required to fight this cancer effectively with us.
Nonmelanoma Tumors
Nonmelanoma cancers come in many different types, all of which can be very dangerous. For example, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in America and affects the basal cells. Our team at Dawson Dermatology can manage this type of skin cancer in Honolulu, HI when you spot waxy pumps, white or pink patches, open sores, scars, or oozing sores.
Similarly, we can help with squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer that affects the cells near the skin surface. It often forms in areas without sun exposure and creates scaly red patches of skin, warts, and thick skin. These raised growths usually look unsightly and require us to manage them to keep your skin healthy, cancer-free, and protected from danger.
Finally, Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare and, unfortunately, very aggressive type that forms on the top layers and creates shiny pink, red, or bluish bumps. It’s usually easy to spot early on; treatment should be manageable if you get help immediately. Note that melanoma tumors are slightly different and are caused by direct exposure to UV rays.
Melanoma Tumors
If you’re heavily exposed to the sun, there’s a strong chance that your cancer of the skin is a melanoma variety. This singular cancer type is usually easy to spot but is very serious. Due to its fast development, it’s critical that you call us right away if you notice any potential warning signs. These include problems as diverse as the following common symptoms:
- Moles that have a different shape, size, or color than other moles on your body
- Any skin tag with irregular shades of tan, brown, or black that look unusual.
- Irregular borders on your moles, i.e., they lack a perfect circle shape
- Gradual changes to the color and shape of your skin tags or moles
- Painful or oozing areas of the skin that continually grow wider
Get Help to Stay Healthy
At Dawson Dermatology, our team of doctors Drs Erin Fuller, Kevin Dawson, Sarah Grekin, Aaron Fong and Rachel Inouye, PA-C can quickly diagnose your skin cancer in Honolulu, HI, and find ways to help you. Don’t hesitate to get support right away because this cancer type can spread rapidly and impact your health and well-being for years. Call our crew at (808) 599-3780 to set up an appointment, and we’ll get you started on the path of recovery.