Denis J. Winder M.D.
Durango SurgiCenter
316 Sawyer Dr
Durango Co 81303
Phone: (970)259-3818
Fax: (970)259-9553
e-mail:
winder@durangoplasticsurg.com

Skin Cancer

If you think you have skin cancer....

Skin cancer is primarily caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but can also be caused by tanning booths and sun lamps. Even though anyone can get skin cancer, you are more likely to, if:

• You have a lot of moles, or moles that are not uniform in shape or large in size
• Your family members have a history of skin cancer, or you've had one or more blistering sunburns
• You're light complected, and freckle easily
• You had radiation treatments for acne as a child
• Your hair and eyes are light in color
• You live at a high altitude
• You spend a great deal of time out of doors in the sunshine.

Skin cancer, if caught in its early stages, can be treated quite successfully. Take the time to become familiar with your skin and always have a doctor examine any lesion you feel might be suspicious! Take care of your skin and protect it from the sun by using sunscreen every day!

Recognizing Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma usually begins as a white or pink bump, is usually small, and the surface can be either shiny, pitted or waxy in appearance.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually starts as a red lesion, or lesions in a cluster, that are dry and scaly. They can form a crust or be a sore that doesn't heal.

Malignant melanoma will start either in an existing mole or you'll see a new pigmented lesion; you should watch for the following:

• A = Asymmetry; either "half" of the mole is different from the other
• B = Border irregularity; the edges are not symmetrical
• C = Color; shades of tan, black & brown that look "mottled"
• D = Diameter; bigger than the size of a pencil eraser.