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We are now open Saturdays.

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We are now open Saturdays.

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What is Skin Cancer

What is Skin Cancer?

Because skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers, it’s incredibly important for our patients to spot early warning signs of skin cancer. Anyone can develop skin cancer, which is why we recommend all our patients receive an annual skin cancer screening. It’s also vital to know what to look for when it comes to changes in your own skin.

Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Skin Cancer

While melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer it isn’t the only type of skin cancer to be aware of. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are two common types of non-melanoma skin cancers. They may be skin-colored, pink, or resemble a scar.

Learn to recognize any changes to a preexisting growth or mole and watch for the development of new growth. Some signs of a cancerous mole include:

 
  • Several colors in one mole (a healthy mole is typically a single shade)
  • Asymmetrical shape
  • Jagged or poorly defined border
  • Larger than a pencil eraser (more than 6mm in diameter)
  • Bleeding, crusting, oozing, or pain
  • Any of these changes must be examined by our dermatologist.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Did you know that most people don’t wear sunscreen or apply it properly? Sun protection is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. We recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, regardless of whether it’s sunny, raining, or even snowing.

Sunscreen doesn’t last all day, so you’ll need to reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing with tightly woven fibers, as well as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, can also protect against sun damage.

It’s also important to avoid spending a lot of time in the sun, especially during the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If you must be outside, make sure you have applied sunscreen at least 30 minutes before and that you seek shade whenever possible.

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FDL Dermatology Is Seeing Patients Both Online And In Person.

Ready for a better healthcare experience?

Book An Appointment Or Call us (703) 310-7400.

Our Location

1005 North Glebe Rd | Suite 540 |
Arlington, VA 22201

Hours Of Operation

Monday:9 AM-4 PM
Tuesday:9 AM-3:30 PM
Wednesday:9 AM-3:30 PM
Thursday:11 AM-7 PM alternating Thursdays
Friday:9 AM-3:30 PM
Saturday:Call for Availability
Sunday:Closed