Skin Cancer
Early detection. Effective treatment.
Are You At Risk For Skin Cancer?
It’s the most common type of cancer in the world by far with 1 in 5 Americans developing some sort of skin cancer over the course of their lifetimes. No one is immune to skin cancer, but there are easy and proactive ways to either prevent it entirely or treat it when caught early. It all starts by getting a screening from a board-certified dermatologist like our doctors at Elite Skin.
How To Spot The Signs Of Skin Cancer
Like almost all medical conditions, skin cancer is more easily treated when it’s detected early, and that means remaining diligent. Self-examination is critical – at least once a month, you should look over your entire body in a mirror. Learn the placement and patterns of your moles, freckles and blemishes, so you can monitor any changes month to month. If you see any changes or discover something that concerns you, speak with a doctor right away.
New or expanding growths are not the only ways skin cancer can appear, so it’s still a good idea to schedule a full body cancer screening.
Skin Cancer Screenings
Skin cancer screenings are quick, painless and can ensure your skin is as healthy as can be. In these 15-20 minute examinations, our providers will look over all areas of your skin, combining our decades of skin care experience with dedicated tools such as a dermatoscope to look for marks, lesions or other growths.
A biopsy may be needed to diagnose potential issues. Using a local anesthetic, we remove a small sample of tissue for further examination in a lab.
In either case, if skin cancer is detected, we are able to discuss treatment options right then and there to bring you back to perfect health.
FAQs
You should be performing a self-examination of your skin at least once a month. If you notice any changes in your skin or discover new growths or spots, that’s a great time to book a formal screening.
If you’ve had a melanoma in the past though, you are more susceptible to future melanomas and should consult with a doctor on a regular skin cancer screening plan.
Our screenings examine your entire body, so we will require you to fully undress. We recommend comfortable clothing to make that process easier. Rest assured our exam rooms are private and you will be covered with a drape or gown. We ask that you not apply makeup or nail polish to your appointment as that can obscure our ability to detect skin cancers. Wearing your hair loose is recommended so we are able to properly examine your head and scalp.
Screenings can vary in length depending on the need for a biopsy, but most take around 15-20 minutes.
It does not. Skin cancer can develop on any skin of any color.
Common Skin Cancers
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Over 80% of skin cancers are BCC. While these can form anywhere on the body, they’re most common in areas that get high exposure to UV or sunlight – head, neck or arms. While rarely fatal, if BCC is left untreated, it can spread to your nerves and even your bones causing more extreme damage to your health.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common skin cancer, SCC similarly forms in places with frequent exposure to the sun such as your face, ears, neck, torso and arms. SCC may develop deeper into the skin, causing significant damage if not caught and treated early.
Melanoma
Though it only makes up around 1% of skin cancer diagnoses, melanoma is the most deadly form of the disease. Melanomas may appear anywhere on the body, and typically start life as a mole or dark spot on the skin. Sunburns and suntanning are known risk factors for melanoma. It’s especially important to diagnose and treat melanoma early and quickly before it has a chance to spread to more sensitive areas such as other organs or your lymph nodes where it can do the most damage.
Skin Cancer Experts
Our staff is adept at discovering and treating skin cancers. Dr. Bergman alone has received advanced training in skin cancer management and surgical reconstruction using the Mohs micrographic surgical technique, with over 7,000 completed surgeries.
If you believe you may need a skin screening, book an appointment with Elite Skin today!
Our goal is to ensure you receive the highest quality care possible based on your diagnosis, needs, and desires. If Mohs surgery isn’t needed, rest assured other treatments can still provide excellent results with minimal risk.
