At Vanguard, we spend an incredible amount of time discussing the dangers of melanoma skin cancer. Many of these conversations are had behind closed doors during one-on-one exams with our patients. We also strive to educate the public through blogs, local news segments, and annual events and fundraisers. The reason we tend to give melanoma […]
Skin Cancer
Nasal Tanning Spray – Just Stay Away
When did tanning become such a trend? It seems that more and more people are willing to do anything to get a golden sun-kissed look. Should they? Throughout much of history, pale skin was associated with wealth and royalty, and tanned skin was associated with lower social economic status and manual labor outdoors. Therefore, pale […]
What is the Difference Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas?
When discussing the risks and potential signs of skin cancer, melanomas tend to hog the spotlight. Due to its severity and the potential for a life-threatening prognosis, this form of skin cancer is the most dreaded of all. However, with melanoma diagnoses accounting for only 1% of total skin cancer cases, it’s important that we […]
Skin Cancer on the Eyelids—Why We See This Form of Skin Cancer So Often
When most of us think about the possibility of developing skin cancer, we most likely envision questionable lesions on parts of our bodies that experience the highest rate of sun exposure: the bridge of our nose, the flesh of our cheeks, the skin of our arms, shoulders, and upper chest. While these areas are certainly […]
The Reflective Truth of Higher Elevation and Skin Cancer in Coloradoans
Even though summer has come to an end and winter is upon us, sunscreen use is just as important. Exposure to the sun during winter months can increase significantly for most Coloradans and put us at an even higher risk for skin cancer, especially for skiers and snowboarders. Colorado is known for its endless outdoor […]
Understanding The Three Major Types of Skin Cancer
Of all the dermatologic concerns facing Vanguard patients, one of the most common—and certainly the most worrisome—is skin cancer. Skin cancer is so common, in fact, that it accounts for more cancer diagnoses in the United States each year than all other forms of cancer combined. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will […]
Should I Be Worried If I’m Diagnosed with an Atypical Mole?
The problem with diagnosing moles and weeding out the potentially harmful from the benign is that moles are incredibly common. In fact, nearly everyone in the United States has at least one common mole, and those who do typically have several. Common moles are harmless and very rarely develop into skin cancers. However, the distinction […]