What You Need to Know if You Were Recently Diagnosed With Skin Cancer

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Receiving the diagnosis of cancer can be life-changing for anyone. Most of us have pre-existing stigmas about this type of illness that overshadows the reality of the situation. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed, it is important for you to get the facts before you jump to conclusions. Understanding what skin cancer really is as well as the treatment options are good places to start. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, here are some things that you need to know.

Understand the Type of Cancer

It can be very easy to get stopped at the world cancer because you’re used to hearing it. However, there are actually many different types of skin cancer and there can be a few varying causes. It may be difficult to remember the type because it was a scientific word that you’re not used to hearing. However, you must understand the specific type of skin cancer that you have. Ask your doctor to write it down for you so that you understand. It will also be beneficial to understand the cause of your cancer. Most often it is from ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Second Opinion

When it comes to your health, it’s a good idea to always get a second opinion. Errors do happen, and they could happen to you. Talk with a cancer center about getting another skin biopsy and having it evaluated. This can help to signify for sure that your diagnosis is correct. This will give you a good starting place to move forward. Depending on how advanced your cancer is or what stage it is at, you may want to find a more prestigious cancer center to work with. These doctors will have more experience and may be able to give you more treatment options than you would get at a smaller clinic or hospital.

Work With a Dermatologic Surgeon

When you’re dealing with skin cancer surgery, you should be talking to the right professional. While there are various individuals who can do the surgery, you should only opt for one professional. This is a dermatologic surgeon. They have extensive knowledge of the skin. This allows them to ensure complete removal of the growth. Opting for a plastic surgeon can sometimes churn up less than ideal results.

Talk With an Expert About Your Treatment Options

You’ll likely be referred to an expert in skin oncology. These experts are knowledgeable about both skin and tumor treatment. It’s important to talk with them about your various options. If there is something that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask about it. Rather, take the time to discuss with the expert your concerns and how you’re feeling about each potential treatment option. They have a wealth of knowledge. Don’t be afraid to pick their brain to reach an understanding that you need to move forward. Your treatment options will likely be chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination of these methods. It is also likely that you will be taking other medications to treat other symptoms or issues that arise. Go through all of this information with your doctor and feel free to write it down to better remember and keep track of it.

When one is diagnosed with skin cancer, it can be very easy to shut down on a mental level. However, it’s very important to look towards the future and treating your condition. A skin cancer diagnosis, as with most cancer diagnoses, is not an immediate lost cause. By understanding the four topics above, you’ll be well on your way to a successful treatment route.

By Anica Oaks
who is a freelance writer who hails from San Francisco. When she’s not writing, she’s enjoying her time outside with her dogs. Anica recommends finding a cancer center for treatment options.

Member since August, 2019
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