By Steven T. Powell, MD and Dori Hite,MPAS,PA-C –
Q: How common is skin cancer?
A: One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer. Most of these are basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas. Melanoma, while not the most common, is the most serious form of skin cancer and continues to show increasing rates. One American dies every hour from melanoma.
Q: Why is May best time to get checked for skin cancer??
A: Since May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Powell is offering a FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING
Q: Are all skin cancers caused by sun exposure?
A: Ninety to 95 percent of cases are caused by sun exposure, and most of these are basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas. Melanoma is a bit more complicated because there are other risk factors beyond sun exposure. Fortunately, sun exposure is a risk factor you can control.
Q: How do moles relate to skin cancer?
A: When looking at a mole, we consider its size, shape and color and then whether these characteristics
are changing. If moles are abnormally dark, irregularly colored, or increasing in size, or if you have many large or irregular-looking moles, you should come in for an exam.
Q: How can I tell if I am at risk for skin cancer?
A: Risk factors for skin cancer include exposure to sun, greater than 50 pigmented moles and a personal or family history of skin cancer. Also, people with red or blond hair, light eyes, sun freckling and an inability to tan are at greater risk.
Q: How often should I get checked for skin cancer?
A: It doesn’t matter where you live. If you are concerned about something, get it checked out. And if you fall into one of these two categories, you should get screened for skin cancer at least once a year:
1. You have first-degree relatives who’ve had melanoma.
2. You’ve had a history of precancers like actinic keratosis, or skin cancers yourself.
Dr. Steven Powell, M.D., P.A. Biography
• Dr. Powell is a Board Certified Dermatologist who has been in medical practice for 29 years.
• Dr. Powell received his Medical Degree from Tulane University in New Orleans.
• Dr. Powell received his specialized Dermatology training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
Areas of Expertise Include:
• Skin Surgery including Skin Cancer Removal and Mohs Micrographic Surgery
• Laser Treatment for Facial Lines, Wrinkles, Age, Sun Spots and Skin Tightening
• Laser Hair and Lesion Removal
• Skin Products and Chemical Peels
• Sclerotherapy (Leg Vein Injections)
• Botox®, Dysport and Juvederm® Injections
Steven T. Powell M.D.
S. Pine Medical Park
2910 S.E. 3rd Court
Ocala, Fl. 34471-0441
Phone: (352) 732-0339
(800) 532-8775
Fax: (352) 732-3715
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