Skin Cancer Treatment in Federal Way, WA
Wearing sun screen and protective gear anytime you are exposed to sun is important to preventing skin damage and skin cancer.
Though people with fair skin that burns easily are more at risk for developing skin cancer, everyone is at risk for skin cancer. Regardless of your skin tone, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your skin from overexposure. Protecting your skin from extensive sun exposure can also help prevent wrinkles, sunspots, and uneven skin tone.
Dr. Ryan Stern and his team specialize in treating patients suffering from skin cancer in Auburn & Federal Way. Patients travel from all over nearby areas including Renton, Kent, Puyallup, and Maple Valley for the best care. If you’re seeking treatment for a deviated septum, call Ryan Stern, MD at (206) 910-4641 to schedule your appointment today!
How To Protect Your Skin from Skin Cancer?
- Limit direct sunlight during the hours of 10am and 4pm when the UV rays are strongest.
- Monitor the UV index to prevent overexposure on days when the Index is moderate or higher.
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF on any exposed skin, and don’t forget to re-apply at least every 2 hours. The effectiveness of sunscreen depends on the SPF, which is the sun protection factor, and Ryan Stern MD recommends at least 30 SPF. Broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect your skins from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Wear clothing and other protective gear, like a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, to increase sun protection and decrease potential damage.
What are the Types of Skin Cancer?
There are different types of skin cancer that have different warning signs and will look differently on your skin.
- Melanoma. Melanoma often resembles moles and are usually black or brown. Asymmetry, an uneven border, and having a variety of colors are signs that a mole is malignant Melanoma. It is the most common form of cancer in people ages 25 – 29, but people of all ages should check their skin each month to detect abnormalities early on.
- Basic Cell Carcinoma. Basic Cell Carcinoma is the most frequently occurring type of skin cancer, and almost half of Americans will have either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma at least once by the age of 65. This type of skin cancer typically looks like sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or a scar.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The warning signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma are a thick, rough, scaly patch that will bleed if irritated. It can also look like an open sore or a wart.
An odd looking mole might just seem like an abnormality to some people, but it can be a sign of something much more serious. Dermatologists are the only ones who can tell if a mole is cancerous, so be sure to schedule an appointment with Ryan Stern MD if you notice a discolored mole.
Skin Cancer Treatment in Federal Way, WA with Dr. Stern
Dr. Stern will perform a skin cancer screening during an exam to identify any moles or lesions that may be skin cancer. If skin cancer is confirmed, he can perform surgery to remove and treat it. Patients travel from all over nearby areas including Tacoma, Auburn, Renton and Kent to receive the best treatment for their skin cancer symptoms. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stern, call our ENT office in Federal Way or Auburn at (206) 910-4641 today!