The team at Rendon Center Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine work with patients who are concerned about the development of moles or skin tags that may be indicative of cancer. Our providers find that certain types of skin cancer have certain risk factors associated with them. This helps determine a patient’s risk of developing cancer in their lifetime.
What are the risk factors for the most common types of skin cancer?
- Squamous cell carcinoma. With squamous cell carcinoma, we find the greatest risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. This type of skin cancer can develop on any area of the body, but we most often see it on areas that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face, ears, neck, and back of the hands.
- Basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common type of skin cancer, and it also has UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds as its main risk factor. We usually see this type of skin cancer on parts of the body that get lots of sun exposure, like the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
- Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and it can occur anywhere on the body. The main risk factor for melanoma is also exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. People with fair and light skin are at a higher risk for developing melanoma, but it can also occur in individuals with darker skin tones.
There are some other less common types of skin cancer that have different risk factors. For example, Merkel cell carcinoma is linked to exposure to ultraviolet light and certain viruses, while cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is associated with a weakened immune system.
Skin cancer is serious and should never be taken lightly. The team at Rendon Center Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine of Boca Raton, FL, strongly encourages patients of all ages to undergo a thorough skin cancer screening every year. During this appointment, a trained professional will evaluate the patient from head to toe, looking for signs of skin cancer to catch it soon enough for effective treatment.
How do I learn more about skin cancer?
If you reside in Boca Raton, FL, or the surrounding communities and want to speak to our team about your skincare needs, call Rendon Center Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine today at 561-750-0544 to request a consultation visit and schedule your screening.
