Thursday, May 14, 2009

Skin Cancer Doctors Launches in Honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Vivacare launched Skin Cancer Doctors with information about skin cancer prevention and treatment options authored by dermatologists, skin care experts.

The Skin Cancer Doctors Website highlights those dermatologists that use the FromYourDoctor patient education service who have written particularly helpful information for their patients regarding skin cancer.

For instance, Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, M.D., Director of Dermatological Surgery at North Shore/ Long island Jewish Hospital and in private practice at Belaray Dermatology in Plainview, NY uses the FromYourDoctor service as a tool to publish information about actinic keratoses (AKs), a common precancerous skin condition.

People seeking dermatologists in their area who are qualified to diagnose and treat skin cancer may wish to refer to Vivacare's Find a Dermatologist resource.

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells start growing abnormally, causing cancerous growths. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer. Almost all skin cancers start as a small, low-risk lesions, but can grow and become high-risk lesions if left untreated. There is a chance of a complete cure when skin cancer is detected before it has spread to surrounding tissues. Recommended treatment options depend primarily on the type, size and location of the skin cancer, but may include topical medications, such as Aldara and 5-FU, or dermatologic procedures such as cryotherapy or Mohs Surgery.

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