[MIDVALE, 11/15/2017] – According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans is likely to develop skin cancer in his/her lifetime. The condition, however, is often misdiagnosed, keeping patients from receiving the right preventive treatments and it's something Brian J. Williams, M.D., P.C. - Dermatology knows.

Inconspicuous Signs

In its early stages, the most common type of skin cancer in the US, which is basal cell carcinoma, often looks like a small blemish that an untrained eye may not see as enough reason for alarm. Skin cancer also shares a similar appearance with other skin conditions, making the condition easy to misdiagnose.

Shari Marchbein, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, notes, for example, that a pink, flaky rash or spot can be psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, or dandruff, but it can also be squamous cell carcinoma.

Early Detection, Treatment Prevents Progression

Comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment can keep the condition from progressing. Unfortunately, patients often report to the dermatologist’s office an incorrect previous diagnosis that caused them to miss out on valuable treatment time.

Dermatologists recommend visiting for examinations when a new spot has been present for more than three weeks; more so if it’s consistently bleeding, growing, or changing in any way.

Address Skin Cancer the Right Way

A knowledgeable and experienced dermatologist such as Brian J. Williams, M.D. should be able to detect skin cancer and provide the type of treatment that will keep the condition from progressing. Through an in-depth assessment, they rule out skin conditions such as rashes, acne, and eczema, and then proceed with providing appropriate treatment.

The dermatologist addresses three major types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. They provide the best possible treatment ranging from surgical excision and electrodesiccation and curettage to Mohs micrographic surgery, depending on the type of cancer, as well as its size and location.

About Brian J. Williams, M.D., P.C. - Dermatology

Brian J. Williams, M.D., P.C. - Dermatology has been recognized in the area of dermatology for more than a decade now for his commitment to addressing every patient’s skin care needs. He is board certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, a fellow of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology, and a recipient of various awards including the Patients’ Choice award for excellence in patient care.

For more information on the conditions they treat, visit https://brianwilliamsdermatology.com/.