In fact, visits from this population declined by 37% in 2020 compared to 2019, and the number of skin cancer diagnoses among older people decreased by 23% during the same time period. Kavita Sarin, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at Stanford Medicine, and her colleagues saw this decrease in their older patients first hand at Stanford dermatology clinics. Studies and data have shown that stricter protocols to reduce potential exposure for older people, in addition to a dip in clinic visits for fear of contracting COVID-19, resulted in a significant decrease in preventative cancer screens. But by protecting themselves against the virus, through isolation and fewer in-person interactions, they might be inadvertently increasing another risk: skin cancer. If you are concerned about a skin spot, please see your doctor for a proper assessment.It's no secret that older folks and those living in assisted-care facilities have had to exercise more caution during the COVID-19 era. ** The above is simply a general guide to some of skin spots that you should know about. Here are some pictures of skin tags to help you recognize them: You do not need to see your doctor for these. They tend to occur in areas of friction, such as in armpits, neck, or groin. These are harmless, soft growths or “tags”. Here are some pictures of Seb K’s to help you recognize them: (Click here for more information on uninsured fees). Therefore, there is a self-pay fee to treat spots like these. If you like, your doctor can often remove these spots, but this is service is considered “cosmetic” and is not covered by OHIP. You do not need to see your doctor for these spots (unless the spot has unusual features in it that may resemble one of the skin cancers above). They almost appear “stuck on” to the skin.Īlthough these spots look unusual, they are totally benign. The growth has a waxy, scaly, slightly elevated appearance. Seb K’s usually appears as a brown, black or light tan growth. They are extremely common and can occur anywhere on the body. People often come to the doctor asking about these spots. Here are some pictures of Solar Keratosis to help you recognize them: It is not urgent, but still see your doctor if you think you have a Solar Keratosis. They are not urgent, but if left untreated they can turn into a squamous cell cancer (see above for more information on squamous cell cancers). Solar Keratosis are easily treated in your family doctor’s office with liquid nitrogen. People often find that the crusts keep falling off, but then keep coming back, and the spot never heals. They can progress to become larger, more red, and with thick crusts on the surface. They often start as small, mildly red or pink spots that feel rough when you run your fingers over them. These are very common to see on sun-exposed areas, like the face, scalp, arms, and hands. SOLAR KERATOSIS (aka “Actinic Keratosis”): Here are some pictures of Basal Cell Cancers to help you recognize them: It is not urgent, but still see your doctor if you think you have a Basal Cell Cancer. They often have an “erosive” or “dented” surface. The larger it becomes, the more difficult it becomes to get rid of.īasal Cell Cancers often look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, or shiny bumps. It is generally not worrisome, but you still need to see your doctor or it will just continue to grow and grow. This type is skin cancer is the most common. Here some pictures of Squamous Cell Cancers to help you recognize them: See your doctor if you think you have a Squamous Cell Cancer. They usually occur in sun-exposed areas of the body, like the head, face, lips, neck, back, arms, or hands. They are less urgent than melanomas, but they still need to be assessed by a doctor and treated. Here some pictures of melanomas to help you recognize them: See your doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have a melanoma! ** CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO RECOGNIZE A MELANOMA, INCLUDING A EXCELLENT VIDEO ** They can start as an odd looking mole and quickly progress. Melanomas are often very dark or black in colour. This page will give you more information about some of the skin spots that you should know about.īy far the more worrisome type of skin cancer is a “melanoma.” These are rare, but they are extremely dangerous. However, sometimes skin spots do need to be assessed and treated. Patients often see their family doctor to look at a worrisome skin spot or “mole.” Many types of skin spots are not worrisome and do not require any treatment.
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