Although she loves the beach, skin cancer surgery was enough to convince Bethenny Frankel that “the sun is not your friend.” The former “Real Housewife” and her daughter wear protective sun shirts — and plenty of sunscreen — in their latest Instagram photo.
Read MoreShe underwent Mohs micrographic surgery to remove the cancerous cells and plastic surgery to minimize scarring.
What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
BCCs can look like sores, red or pink growths, shiny bumps, scars, or slightly misshapen growths, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
If you have a mark or lump on your skin that you think is suspicious, or if you know you've been exposed to a lot of sun, get it checked by a dermatologist.
Why Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a microscopically-controlled surgery where thin layers of skin cancer tissue are removed until the surgeon reaches clear tissue.
"You're able to remove a very conservative margin around the cancer and study it in essentially real-time," explains Dr. Sumaira Aasi, Professor of Dermatology and Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at Stanford.
Mohs surgery helps ensure that all cancerous cells are removed, says Dr. Sumaira Aasi, Professor of Dermatology and Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at Stanford.
If, when the surgeon examines the tissue under the microscope, cancer is found, the surgeon goes back and removes some more tissue.
The idea is that by making the tiniest cuts and evaluating them microscopically, the surgeon knows for certain that all the cancer is out when the last piece of tissue proves to be clear. It is often done as an outpatient procedure with local anesthetic.
‘I Am Extremely Lucky’
In the wake of her diagnosis, Frankel has become a sun-protection evangelist. "I am extremely lucky to have caught it in time, and it just goes to show you have to know your body and be very aware of any changes,” she said.
“This was a sharp reminder why it is so important to reapply sunscreen," she said. She reminds fans: “Always make sure to rub in spray-on sunscreen on your kids spraying it on by itself doesn't cover them enough.”
“Apply it thoroughly every two hours and check the expiration dates as sunscreen does expire,” she adds. “And sit in the shade whenever possible."
Preventing Skin Cancer
An Australian study found that by wearing sunscreen daily over a 10-year period, the risk of melanoma was reduced by 50 percent.
But sunscreen isn’t the only weapon in your arsenal.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, says look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply often.
"Sunscreens are just one way of protecting our skin against sun damage," says Dr. Amin. "Clothing is an important way to protect against sun damage. In fact, a hat and SPF proof clothing should be your number one form of sun protection."
RELATED: Melanoma Awareness: Yes, You Still Need to Protect Your Skin In The Winter
Unfortunately, skin damage caused over the years cannot be reversed, but you can decrease your risk of more damage from occurring in the future by limiting your time in the sun and using sunscreen.
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