May 5 is Melanoma Monday, which is a day dedicated to raising awareness about early detection. Dermatologists say the best way to detect skin cancer is to have an annual skin screening.
Dr. Michelle Tarbox, a dermatologist a Texas Tech, explains what should send you to the doctor.
“A lot of times patients will come to us with a spot that’s just a sore that won’t heal, or a place that continues to scale and scab. Those are worrisome signs for potential skin cancers. Other potential danger signs are changing color or texture, or size of a spot over time. Some patients will also complain of pain, or itching, or new symptoms in that spot, that might be the signal that something is wrong, and all of those things would be a good idea to come in and get them checked out.”
If you have a suspicious spot you would like to get checked out, Texas Tech Physicians dermatology and UMC Southwest Cancer Center are hosting the event. You don’t need an appointment, just go to the Southwest Cancer Center, Saturday, May 10th. Anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., there will be medical professionals there to check out your spots.
Dr. Tarbox says if you need to be referred for treatment, but have no insurance, they can send you to the Texas Tech free clinic where several dermatologists regularly volunteer their services.
Agencies/Canadajournal
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