When asked what the largest organ in the body might be, most people guess it’s the intestines. Or maybe their heart, or liver. But surprisingly, it’s none of those.
It’s our skin—the miraculous, complex, multi-layered organ that covers every inch of our body. Among other things, it helps regulate our internal temperature, protects us from harmful pathogens, and acts as the body’s sensory system, allowing us to feel touch and detect heat and cold. Its three layers—the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis—all work in unison to maintain the body’s integrity and interact with the environment.*
It’s easy to think of our skin as a simple wrapper but it’s far more sophisticated than that. Your skin hosts specialized immune cells that constantly survey for threats. In fact, the outermost layer of your skin develops before you’re even born and spends your entire life sampling the local environment, then relaying that information to your lymph nodes to trigger protective immune responses.
There’s a saying that if you take care of your skin, your skin will take care of you. And that means more than using lotion for dry spots and applying sunscreen. These precautions are vital, but it’s critical that you know your skin well and notice any changes that might occur. Changes mean it’s time to see a dermatologist, because some skin conditions, like cancer, are much more treatable when caught early.
Think about this for a minute. Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer, striking one in five people by the age of 70. The good news is that, unlike many other cancers which start to develop inside the body, skin cancer is often seen from the outside. And early detection makes a world of difference.**
What are some early signs of skin cancer?***
- A new growth on the skin that looks pearly, translucent, or shiny
- A sore on the skin that won’t heal
- A mole or freckle that that gets bigger, changes shape, or changes color
- Itchy skin or pain around a skin growth
- A spot or bump that becomes scaly, crusty, or bleeds
- A new wart-like growth
What are the major types of skin cancer?
Simply put, skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in your skin. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.****
- Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It occurs most often after years of sun exposure, and while you can get BCC anywhere on the body, it’s most common on the head, neck , and arms. BCC often shows up as a small, shiny bump or a sore that doesn’t heal.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer and those of us with fair skin are at highest risk (but don’t let that fool you, people of all skin colors can get SCC). This form of skin cancer is often seen on the rim of your ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. SCC may appear as a firm, red nodule or a flat sore with a scaly crust.
- Melanoma is rare, and it’s mostly seen in people who are aged 50 or older. This is a more aggressive form of skin cancer and shows up in new moles that are asymmetrical or have irregular borders or vary in color.
Did you know that in the U.S. alone, more than 9,5000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day? Did you know more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined?
It might be a frightening thought, but the facts show us that early detection can dramatically save countless lives. When caught in its earliest stages, skin cancer is often localized and can be treated with minimal complications. That’s why it’s so important to see a dermatologist if you see skin changes that fit any of the symptoms we’ve covered here.*****
At Premier Medical, we take skin cancer seriously, with a strong focus on prevention, early detection, and expert care. We’re fortunate that our team has access to leading technology and modern diagnostic and treatment options. But there’s much more to skin than skin cancer. Our advanced dermatology team blends specialized medical care with aesthetic expertise to help you look and feel your best at every stage of life.
Meet Dr. Swapna C Reddy, MD
As we expand the depth of our dermatology group, we’re proud to introduce Dr. Swapna C. Reddy who recently joined our dermatology team.
Dr. Reddy is a board-certified dermatologist who provides patient-centered care for a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions. She has extensive experience diagnosing and treating both common and complex dermatologic disorders, with a focus on helping patients achieve healthy skin and an improved quality of life.
A graduate of Albany Medical College, Dr. Reddy earned her medical degree magna cum laude and received a Distinction in Research. She went on to complete her Dermatology Residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center and is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
Dr. Reddy works closely with her patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their individual needs and concerns. She takes the time to educate patients about their skin health, helping them feel informed and confident in the decisions they make about their care. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
We’re excited about what Dr. Reddy’s experience and approach will bring to our patients and our healthcare community. We see great things ahead for her, and for our patients as well. To make an appointment with Dr. Reddy at our Dermatology Division, please visit at https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/ or reach us at 845-451-7272. We look forward to seeing you!
*[https://biologyinsights.com/why-is-skin-an-organ-layers-functions-explained/#google_vignette]
**[https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/]
***[https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/early-stage-skin-cancer#early-skin-cancer]
****[https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/skin-cancer]
*****[https://scienceinsights.org/is-skin-cancer-curable-stages-types-treatment/]