Skin Cancer Screenings
are an important part of healthcare
More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and worldwide
Can skin cancer be cured?
The good news is that skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Our Dermatology Providers are specially trained in detecting even the earliest stage of skin cancer. We often find skin cancers on patients who come in for other reasons, so we believe that everyone should have a baseline skin exam.
What happens during a skin cancer screening?
When you come in for a full body skin check, we ask you to put a gown on. We then proceed to check your back and buttocks, chest, abdomen, arms, hands, legs, feet, scalp, ears, face and neck. We realize that having all of your skin examined can feel invasive and sometime stressful. To minimize any anxiety with this type of exam, we work quickly and professionally.
Can I screen myself at home?
Of course! Checking your skin at home AND coming into our office for Skin Cancer Screenings is our definition of a Dermatology Dream Team. It is very unlikely skin cancer will get overlooked when you check your skin at home in between full body checks with your dermatology provider. If you do notice a lesion of concern before your scheduled visit with us, definitely come into our office sooner so we can evaluate the lesion.
What if a skin cancer is found during
my full body skin check?
We are sensitive to the fact that having a diagnosis of skin cancer can be scary and anxiety provoking. Our dermatology providers will discuss the treatment options with you. If surgery is your best option, we make sure you understand the process and what to expect post operatively. During treatment we work to make sure you feel safe and comfortable.
Does skin cancer have to be treated?
You are better off treating a skin cancer early in its growth. Melanoma and Squamous cell carcinoma are both capable of spreading throughout the body but can be cured if found early and treated. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads throughout the body but if ignored and left untreated it will spread locally causing pain, bleeding and destruction of surrounding healthy tissue; so we always recommend treating basal cell carcinoma.