Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. It is also one of the easiest kinds of cancer to detect so it is often discovered in its early stages and can be removed from the affected skin. With 24-hour home care services, you can let go of the worry and enjoy a full night’s sleep knowing your loved one is being cared for by compassionate professionals.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and is usually caused due to sun exposure. It can occur on any type of skin but often shows up on areas of skin that are routinely exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, and arms. It is malignant but rarely spreads to other parts of the body if caught early and removed.
What does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer can appear differently in many people, but there are some ABCs to knowing whether a mole might be cancerous and should be removed.
A: Stands for asymmetry. Does one side of the mole look a lot different than the other side?
B: Stands for Border Irregularity. Are the borders of the mole irregular or notched?
C: Stands for Color. Cancerous moles are often multi-colored, displaying variations of brown, black, tan, red, and white.
D: Stands for Diameter. A mole that is larger than six millimeters has a higher likelihood of being cancerous.
E: Stands for Evolution. If a former mole didn’t have any of the above descriptions but has changed recently, it should be reviewed with a doctor.
Skin Cancer Removal
For many, the treatment for basal cell carcinoma is fairly easy. It will simply require the removal of the mole, usually performed as an outpatient surgery where your loved one can go home and recover afterward. If the tumor was large or it was determined to be more advanced, she may need radiation and/or chemotherapy as a follow-up after the surgery.
Home Tips for After Skin Cancer Removal
Caring for the wound created by removing the cancer is important for your loved one to minimize the risk of infection, promote proper healing, and reduce scarring. This can be especially important to your loved one if the mole is on her face or neck. The wound from the surgery may be small, but it’s still a surgical wound and should be cared for properly.
- The dressing should be removed about 24 hours after surgery.
- The area should be washed with warm, soapy water. It shouldn’t be soaked or emerged in a tub.
- Once washed, it should only be patted dry, not rubbed.
- Antibiotic ointments should be applied as directed by the surgeon.
- Physical activity, especially any that causes the wound area to move or stretch, should be avoided for up to two weeks.
- Keep the wound well moisturized by applying approved moisturizer. This will help reduce scarring.
If your loved one’s mole is at a place on the body where she cannot reach to properly care for it as it heals, a skilled nursing care team can step in and assist with care such as cleaning the wound, changing bandages and helping your loved one with showering or bathing. This is a special care that 24-hour home care does not provide.
An in-home cancer care service is a service that helps people stay at home during much of their cancer treatment rather than being forced to live in a hospital or assisted living facility. Cancer care at home typically handles non-medical care such as housekeeping, cooking, and personal care. Having 24-hour home care can ensure that all your loved one’s needs are met.
https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/skin-cancer
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Newport Beach CA, please call the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.
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