Skin Cancer Dermatologist
Village Dermatology Houston provides screening, diagnosis and treatment services for skin cancer in the greater Houston area.
Leading Houston Specialists in Skin Cancer Treatment
Our dermatologists are passionate about prevention and early detection of skin cancer and melanoma. Start getting your annual skin examinations today. Our team of doctors diagnose and treat all types of skin cancer.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when normal cells on the skin turn into abnormal ones, and it is the most common cancer in the United States. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her lifetime. More than 8500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. While those with lighter skin are definitely more susceptible, anyone can get skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer
The two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are highly treatable; however, treatment can be costly and disfiguring at times. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and it is the type that is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.
Causes of Skin Cancer
Just like it is known that tobacco causes lung cancer, it is well-known that cumulative ultraviolet (UV) light exposure causes skin cancer. UV rays come from the sun, from tanning beds, and from sun lamps. Despite this knowledge, unfortunately an an alarmingly high number of young adults still engage in indoor tanning, which not only increases their risk of skin cancer, but also prematurely ages the skin.
Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, but in certain individuals the risk may be greater.
Sun exposure
Melanoma skin cancer in Houston is a very real possibility because of our intense sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation is damaging to the skin and can induce all types of skin cancer, including melanoma. UVA and UVB both can cause changes in the DNA of the skin, resulting in the abnormal cells that make melanoma. Blistering sunburns in early childhood definitely can increase the risk of melanoma, but even sunburns later in life as well as cumulative exposure may also contribute to the increased risk. People who live in areas that have more sunlight, such as Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and Australia, are at increased risk of developing skin cancers. Even if you were a product of a decade when "a sunburn early in summer was good for you" or if you used baby oil and foil in your childhood to tan, it is never to late to start with sun protective measures.
Tanning Beds
Tanning beds in particular are particularly implicated in the development of melanoma, and every dermatologist would caution you to avoid using a tanning bed at all costs.
Atypical Moles
Moles are called "nevi" by dermatologists. There are two types of moles - normal moles that appear during the first few decades of life and atypical moles, or dysplastic nevi. Dysplastic nevi can be precursors to melanoma, and having them puts you at increased risk of melanoma. Regardless, having an increased number of moles puts you at a greater risk for melanoma.
Skin Type
People with fairer skin, who often also have lighter hair color and eye color, are at increased risk for melanoma and all types of skin cancers. Learn more about skin types and risk of skin cancer.
Personal History
Once you have had a melanoma previously, you are at increased risk of either developing another or of developing a recurrence. People who have had a basal cell carcinoma or a squamous cell carcinoma are also at increased risk of melanoma.
Weakened Immune System
People who have weakened immune systems as a result of chemotherapy, organ transplantation, genetic conditions, lymphomas, or HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of melanoma.
Family History
Genetic factors play a major role in the development of melanoma. If one of your first-degree relatives (mother, father, brother, sister, or children) has had a melanoma, your risk is greater. About one in ten patients diagnosed with melanoma has a family member with a history of melanoma, and if you have a first-degree relative with melanoma, your risk is 50% greater than people without a family history.
