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Walnut Creek, CA specialist discusses how symptoms vary by skin cancer type

All effective skin cancer treatments start with an accurate diagnosis. If you’re worried about a spot, schedule an appointment with Dr. Christine Lee. Dr. Lee will be monitoring for changes during annual skin checks. These exams allow an early diagnosis so critical to successful treatment.

If it’s worrisome to you, it’s worrisome to Dr. Lee. Skin cancer symptoms identified and treated in Walnut Creek CA at The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute vary by the type of cancer. Some symptoms:

How symptoms vary by skin cancer type
  • Actinic Keratoses— These precancerousgrowths resemble scaly, dry pink or red patches. They’re likely to form on the head, neck, hands, and forearms due to years of cumulative sun exposure.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma — Untreated AKs can evolve into SCCs, which often look like firm red bumps or scaling, and patches or growths that never seem to fully heal. These cancers have the potential to spread, and cause damage and disfigurement.
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma — The most common type of skin cancer, BCCs are flesh-colored bumps or pink patches that frequently develop on the head, neck and arms but can appear most anywhere, including the legs and belly. They, too, can spread, and without treatment may invade surrounding tissues, nerves, and bones.

The deadliest of skin cancers, melanoma, has its own list of symptoms. They’re often summed up with the ABCDE’s. Have you noticed new spots or recent changes to existing moles? Warning signs include:

  • A – Asymmetry – one half doesn’t mirror the other.
  • B – Borders that are irregular, or poorly-defined
  • C – Colors that vary, such as brown, black, red, and blue shades
  • D – Diameters of six millimeters-plus, roughly pencil eraser-sized
  • E – Evolving size, shape, color, or behavior

Dr. Lee has advanced techniques to treat skin cancers, including Mohs Micrographic Surgery for complex or recurrent growths. Call (925) 528-0117.

Dr. Christine Lee

Dr. Min-Wei Christine Lee

Dr. Christine Lee is a Board-certified Dermatologist with sub-specialties in laser surgery, cosmetic surgery, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial plastic reconstruction, and dermatologic surgery. She leads The Skin And Laser Treatment Institute as its Director and serves as Clinical Faculty for the Department of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Patients travel from across the globe for her expertise, and Dr. Lee has trained thousands of stateside and international doctors.

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