What is a Skin Cancer Screening?
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The high incidence of skin cancer means regular screenings are crucial, particularly when you have a family or personal history of skin cancer. Early detection is essential to give you more treatment options and better results along with the ability to avoid more extensive surgeries in the future. At Imperial Dermatology in Hollywood, FL, Dr. Simona Bartos offers comprehensive skin cancer screenings along with biopsies of abnormal growths, in addition to many innovative skin cancer procedures. To schedule a skin cancer exam, please reach out to our office in Hollywood, FL.
Types of Skin Cancer
Dr. Bartos looks for any skin cancers in a skin cancer screening including:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer. BCC can develop anywhere in your skin and might look like a pink spot or as a flesh-colored or pearl-like bump.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This type is the second most common form of skin cancer. Forming on skin that gets the most sun exposure, SCC looks like scaly patches; red, firm bumps; and/or sores that heal and reopen.
- Melanoma: This sort of cancer develops unexpectedly as a dark spot on the skin. Dr. Bartos uses the ABCDs to detect melanoma — asymmetry, border, color, and diameter. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma accounts for just 1% of skin cancer but the majority of skin cancer deaths.
Reviews
What to Expect with Skin Cancer Screenings
At your skin check, Dr. Bartos will utilize a handheld microscope (known as a dermatoscope) to check your whole body for birthmarks, moles, and any abnormal growths. The dermatoscope provides a detailed view that helps to detect skin cancer while minimizing the need for biopsies. In some cases, a biopsy of a suspicious mole or spot may still be taken. To achieve this, Dr. Bartos will numb the skin, then shave a small sample. The biopsy will be mailed to a pathology laboratory for analysis, and you'll be contacted about the results. Following your exam, Dr. Bartos will speak with you about any recommended actions and let you know when you should have your next skin cancer screening. Nonsurgical genetic evaluation of the mole is also available to help evaluate your mole or spot. Dr. Bartos recommends that every patient do routine self-exams of their skin so they can be aware of any changes.
Skin Cancer Screenings FAQ
How common is skin cancer?
According to the World Health Organization, as many as 2 – 3 million people worldwide get non-melanoma skin cancers and more than 130,000 melanoma skin cancers every year. In the U.S., about 1 in 5 Americans develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
What are the most common risk factors for skin cancer?
The most common risk factors for skin cancer include:
- Family history of skin cancer
- Lighter skin tone
- Red or blond hair
- Blue or green eyes
- A large number of moles, along with a certain type of moles
- Skin that freckles, burns, or reddens easily with exposure to the sun
- Age is 65 or older
Does a skin cancer biopsy hurt?
No, most patients don't experience any discomfort during a biopsy. Before the biopsy is taken, Dr. Bartos will numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable while a very small sample is shaved off.
How often should you have a skin cancer screening?
A full-body skin exam for skin cancer once a year is recommended, especially if you have any risk factors for skin cancer. If you are at low risk for skin cancer, you may be able to only have a skin cancer screening every two years or so.
Early Detection is the Key
Understanding your risk factors and early detection are two major keys to the successful treatment of skin cancer. If you are due to get an annual skin exam, then contact our office in Hollywood, FL. Whether you are at elevated risk for developing skin cancer or you have concerns about an abnormal growth on your skin, we encourage you to schedule a skin cancer screening with Dr. Bartos at Imperial Dermatology.
