Risks for Skin Cancer

If you have skin cancer concerns Dr. Martha Robinson in Okmulgee, OK and serving McAlester has a full-service dermatology practice that can provide the treatments that you need today and into the future. Dr.Robinson is board certified and has more than 30 years of experience treating all your skin needs.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and, if treated quickly, not very serious. If it is allowed to grow, it can damage tissues deep in the skin and even get to the bone. 

Squamous cell carcinoma develops from squamous cells which we have all over the human body. In the skin they are not usually a serious form of cancer but can grow quite deep, so when removed, they leave quite a hollow spot. 

Melanoma is not a skin cancer to take lightly. If not caught early, it can spread and be fatal. Knowing what to look for is very important, which is why the ABCDE of melanoma is so important. Look for spots that match one or more of these:

  • A is for asymmetry. If you see a spot on your skin with halves that don't match, this is a warning sign.
  • B is for border. If the edges are scalloped, undefined or irregular, this is something to be concerned about. 
  • C is for color. The color is not consistent over the entire spot. It changes from one area to another quite dramatically. 
  • D is for diameter. Many melanomas are about the size of a pencil eraser in diameter.
  • E is for evolving. The spot changes or looks different than the surrounding ones.

Risks for Skin Cancer

The sun

The greatest risk for skin cancer is the sun. While it is the most dangerous for fair-skinned people with light-colored eyes and red hair, it can happen to people with any shade of skin.

Aging

If you are over the age of 50, your chances of having skin cancer are much higher than if you were younger. If you are over 65, the risk rises significantly. 

Having lots of sunburns

Having lots of sunburns over your lifetime puts you at greater risk of developing skin cancer. 

Indoor tanning

If you have used indoor tanning to get that wonderful glow, you have put yourself at much greater risk of developing skin cancer than those who have not. 

Radiation treatment

If you have previously undergone radiation therapy to treat cancer, it places you at higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma and the risk increases over time. 

Contact Dr. Robinson with any skin cancer questions or needs that you may have. To make an appointment, give our office a call at (918) 758-3750.

Contact Us

 

Please contact our office to make an appointment by calling (918) 758-3750

Our Location

114 North Grand Ave, Ste 508 Okmulgee, OK 74447

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed