Educational content about skin cancer and dermatology
SpotCheck Clinical Staff
It's incredibly common for patients to come into the clinic and say, 'I thought it was just a pimple.' Many early skin cancers—especially on the face—can look almost identical to a small breakout. Fortunately, there are a few key differences that can help you tell when something deserves a closer look.
SpotCheck Clinical Staff
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common precancerous spots caused by years of sun exposure. While most AKs remain stable, some can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Fortunately, several safe and effective treatment options exist, including topical creams, photodynamic therapy (PDT), liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), and curettage.
SpotCheck Clinical Staff
With so many sunscreens on the shelves—lotions, sprays, sticks, mineral, chemical—it can be hard to know which one is best for you. But choosing the right sunscreen is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
SpotCheck Clinical Staff
For many people, the word 'skin cancer' immediately brings to mind surgery. And while procedures like Mohs surgery remain the most effective treatment for the majority of skin cancers, there are situations where topical creams—imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)—can be excellent options.
SpotCheck Clinical Staff
Skin cancer can affect anyone, but certain traits, medical histories, and environmental exposures make the risk higher. Understanding your personal risk can help you take the right preventive steps and decide how often you need skin checks.
SpotCheck Clinical Staff
When Mohs surgery is done on the lower leg—especially the shin—many patients are surprised when their dermatologist recommends letting the wound heal on its own instead of closing it with stitches. This process, called secondary intention healing, can sound unusual, but for wounds on the shin, it's often the approach that leads to safer healing and better long-term results.
SpotCheck Clinical Staff
Moles are extremely common, and most are completely harmless. But melanoma—a dangerous form of skin cancer—can sometimes start in what looks like an ordinary mole. Knowing what to look for can help you catch concerning lesions early, when treatment is most effective.
SpotCheck Clinical Staff
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also one of the most treatable—especially when it's found early. This guide will help you understand the early signs of skin cancer in a way that's practical and easy to remember.