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Trevan Fischer, MD Blog View all posts
What Is a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Melanoma?

What Is a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Melanoma?
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer because it grows quickly. Fortunately, specialized procedures like a sentinel lymph node biopsy can provide additional information about whether it has spread. Read on to learn more.
Jan 7th, 2025

What's This Red, Scaly Patch on My Skin?
Multiple conditions, including cancer, can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. Read on to learn more about the possible causes and what you need to know.
Nov 8th, 2024
Should I Be Worried About a New Mole?

Should I Be Worried About a New Mole?
While not all new moles that appear in adulthood are cancerous, it is still important to get them checked by a medical professional. Read on to learn more.
Oct 14th, 2024
Why Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma So Aggressive?

Why Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma So Aggressive?
Merkel cell carcinoma is the second deadliest type of skin cancer because it grows and spreads quickly and often returns after treatment. Read on to learn its symptoms, risk factors, and more.
Sep 11th, 2024
What's Involved in Melanoma Removal?

What's Involved in Melanoma Removal?
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. However, it can be removed by wide local excision. This minor surgery can often provide a cure when the cancer is found early. Read on to learn more.
Jul 22nd, 2024
Why is Gallbladder Surgery So Common?

Why is Gallbladder Surgery So Common?
Gallbladder removal is a common surgical procedure after developing gallstones. Read on to learn about gallbladder surgery and why this is often the treatment of choice.
May 14th, 2024
Why Are Younger People Getting Melanoma?

Why Are Younger People Getting Melanoma?
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body and affect all ages. In fact, those under age 40 are seeing an increase in diagnosis. Read on to learn the signs to watch for.
Jan 16th, 2024
What Your Stool Can Tell You About Your Health

What Your Stool Can Tell You About Your Health
Our stool offers important insights into our health and can alert you to everything from an infection to internal bleeding. Read on to learn more about what your stool can tell you about your health.
Nov 15th, 2023
When a Cyst in Your Breast Is of Concern

When a Cyst in Your Breast Is of Concern
Breast cysts are common and, in most cases, are harmless. However, certain types can be cancer, so it is essential to get them examined by a medical professional. Read on to learn more.
Sep 1st, 2023
5 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

5 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery provides many benefits, including less pain and scarring and faster recovery. Read on to learn more about this procedure and why it's often a good choice.
Jun 8th, 2023
How to Reduce Your Risk of Melanoma

How to Reduce Your Risk of Melanoma
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Read on to learn more about melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, and ways to protect your skin.
May 17th, 2023
4 Tips to Help You Avoid Skin Cancer

4 Tips to Help You Avoid Skin Cancer
Skin cancer will strike more than 20% of Americans by the time they are 70 years old. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Read on to learn more.
Apr 12th, 2023
Does the Sun Really Cause Skin Cancer?

Does the Sun Really Cause Skin Cancer?

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the main cause of skin cancer. Read on to learn more about why protection from the sun and avoidance of indoor tanning is so essential.
Jan 13th, 2023
Understanding Your Risk for Skin Cancer

Understanding Your Risk for Skin Cancer
Several factors can increase your chances of skin cancer. Read on to learn the risk factors and, in some cases, how you can modify your behavior to reduce your risk.
Oct 11th, 2022
Is There Is There Any Way to Prevent Skin Cancer?Any Way to Prevent Skin Cancer?

Is There Any Way to Prevent Skin Cancer?
While everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, the good news is there are steps you can take to decrease your chances. Read on to learn more about what you can do to prevent skin cancer.
Sep 13th, 2022
The Real Risks of Tanning

The Real Risks of Tanning
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation through the sun and tanning beds can cause sunburns and risks to your health. Read on to learn more about the dangerous effects and myths associated with tanning.
Aug 9th, 2022
Tips for Giving Yourself a Skin Self-Exam

Tips for Giving Yourself a Skin Self-Exam
Skin cancer will strike about 20% of people in the United States by the time they turn 70. Conducting a monthly skin self-exam is an essential step toward early diagnosis and treatment. Read on to learn more.
Jul 12th, 2022
The Only Safe Ways to Get a Tan and Not Damage Your Skin

The Only Safe Ways to Get a Tan and Not Damage Your Skin
Any amount of exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet radiation can cause damage to the skin, including skin cancer. However, for those who still want to tan, there are tips on how to do it as safely as possible. Read on to learn more.
Jun 5th, 2022
Lesser Known Facts About Skin Cancer

Lesser Known Facts About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is common. However, most people don’t realize how many people it affects. Read on to learn more about the lesser-known facts regarding skin cancer.
May 1st, 2022
The ABCDEs of Moles

The ABCDEs of Moles
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, but when it is caught early, the survival rate is greatly improved. Read on to learn more about its signs and why thinking "ABCDE" may help you detect it at an earlier stage.
Mar 9th, 2022
Understanding the Different Types of Skin Cells

Understanding the Different Types of Skin Cells
There are three main types of cells in the outer layer of skin — squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes — and each can lead to the development of skin cancer. Read on to learn more about these cells and symptoms you should watch out for.
Feb 2nd, 2022
Is Melanoma Ever Curable?

Is Melanoma Ever Curable?
Nobody wants to hear that they have melanoma. But when caught early, melanoma can be treated and even cured in many cases. Read on to learn about the signs to look out for, how a diagnosis is made, and more.
Jan 11th, 2022
Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Symptoms and Treatment

Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Symptoms and Treatment
Soft tissue sarcomas typically develop in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen. Treatment often requires surgical removal along with chemotherapy or radiation. Read on to learn the signs to watch out for and who could be at risk.
Nov 14th, 2021
All About Fibroadenomas

All About Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous lumps in the breast that frequently occur in women between the ages of 15 and 35. They are benign but getting a proper diagnosis is important to rule out cancer. Read on to learn more.
Oct 10th, 2021
Moles: When Should You Be Concerned?

Moles: When Should You Be Concerned?
Moles may be an unwelcome blemish on the skin, but they can also cause a more serious issue — melanoma. Read on to learn the warning signs of this serious type of cancer and when you should be concerned.
Sep 6th, 2021

Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer?
People tend believe that skin cancer won’t happen to them. But several factors, including exposure to UV radiation and genetics, can increase the risk of developing it. Read on to learn more.
Jul 21st, 2021

The Different Types of Skin Cancer
Did you know that there are multiple types of skin cancer? Skin cancer is classified into specific types defined by the location where it is detected. Read on to learn about the different kinds and their symptoms.
Jun 16th, 2021

Clinical Trials for Melanoma
While melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer, there are a number of treatment options available, including surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy as well as less commonly used radiation and chemotherapy. Read on to learn more!
May 20th, 2021

Immunotherapy for Melanoma
Because melanoma can spread quickly, it’s important to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan in place. Care options vary depending on the cancer’s stage, but immunotherapy may be one option to consider. Read on to learn more.
Apr 7th, 2021

What Is Soft Tissue Sarcoma?
Soft tissue sarcoma can be classified into over 80 subtypes and found throughout the body. Read on to learn more about this relatively rare type of cancer that affects both adults and children.
Mar 12th, 2021

Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease is caused by a number of different health issues. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are key to preventing possibly serious complications. Read on to learn more.
Feb 5th, 2021

Signs of Benign Breast Disease
A lump in the breast can signify anything from cancer to benign breast disease. While only a doctor can make a professional diagnosis, there are signs of this non-cancerous health issue you can look for. Read on to learn more.
Jan 10th, 2021

4 Lifestyle Habits for Preventing Skin Cancer
Skin cancer strikes almost 10,000 people each day in the United States, but there are things you can do to protect your skin. Read on to learn four lifestyle habits you can practice to help prevent skin cancer.
Dec 2nd, 2020

Treatment Options for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas are not as well-known as other kinds of cancer but they can be serious. Seeking a timely diagnosis and treatment plan are important steps in getting the best possible outcome. Read on to learn more.
Nov 8th, 2020

How Often Should You Get Your Skin Checked?
Skin checks are an important tool to help catch skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Read on to learn more about skin cancer and its risks, as well as what experts say on how often an exam is recommended.
Oct 1st, 2020

Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Skin imperfections are common, but if you have a lump that is red or blue and growing rapidly, it's important to get it examined to rule out Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive type of skin cancer. Read on to learn more.
Sep 17th, 2020

What to Look for in a Cancer Surgeon
Finding a suitable doctor under normal circumstances can be challenging enough, but it’s even more important when you need cancer surgery. Read on to learn what questions to ask, including education, certifications, and experience.
Aug 17th, 2020

Are Breast Lumps Always a Cause for Concern?
Discovering a lump in your breast can be scary. Fortunately, there are a number of other noncancerous causes — many of which don’t even require treatment. Read on to learn more about benign breast diseases.
Jul 22nd, 2020

Why You Should Never Ignore a Strange Mole
Most moles are nothing more than a harmless dark spot on our skin. In some cases, however, they can undergo a change that results in a type of skin cancer known as melanoma. Read on to learn the signs to watch for.
Apr 28th, 2020

How Are Fibroadenomas Formed?
It's only natural to think cancer if you've found a lump in your breast, but there are many other benign issues it could be, including a fibroadenoma. Read on to learn more about how these lumps form.
Mar 2nd, 2020

Recognizing the Symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma is an uncommon type of cancer that can be difficult to spot. Growing on connective tissues, they can become life-threatening if not properly treated. Learn how to recognize the signs of this disease and how it’s treated.
Dec 31st, 2019

Understanding Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can’t be prevented, but there are ways to reduce your chances of getting it. It starts with understanding your risk of breast cancer, and the ways you may be able to prevent the disease from progressing.
Nov 30th, 2019

Do You Know the ABCDEs of Melanoma?
Did you know that the first five letters of the alphabet hold clues for identifying melanoma? You can help protect against this type of skin cancer by doing a regular “ABCDE” check on yourself and loved ones.
Nov 12th, 2019