Genetics plays a significant role in skin cancer risk and can also affect skin cancer treatment. Your dermatologist can tell you more. Dr. Cary Ann Jenkins at Joliet Dermatology in Joliet, IL, and Morris Dermatology in Morris, IL, provides a full range of dermatology services, including diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. 

What You Need to Know About Genetics and Skin Cancer 

Genetics plays a big role in your risk of developing skin cancer. Although basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are mainly caused by excessive, unprotected sun exposure, certain genes also play a role in the risk of these cancers. Melanoma, a much more aggressive type of skin cancer, has a genetic component. 

Treatment of skin cancer due to genetics is similar to that of the general population and can include: 

• Surgical excision
• Mohs surgery to remove cancerous tissue layer by layer 
• Cryodestruction to freeze cancerous tissue 
• Desiccation and curettage to scrape cancerous tissue and apply electric current 

If you have a genetic risk of developing skin cancer, preventive measures are even more important. Always remember to: 

• Limit your time out in direct sunlight 
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 
• Stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, when ultraviolet rays are most damaging 
• Wear a hat, sunglasses, and other protective clothing when you are outside 

Do You Want to Know More About Genetics and Skin Cancer? 

To learn more about the role genetics play in skin cancer risk and skin cancer treatment, you can contact Dr. Jenkins with Joliet Dermatology in Joliet, IL, at (815) 666-1742 or with Morris Dermatology in Morris, IL, at (815) 941-5160, so call now!