How Does A Dermatologist Check For Skin Cancer?

Dr. Robert Nossa | 9/27/2021

While skin cancer continues to be the most common and frequently diagnosed type of cancer each year, the vast majority of skin cancer cases can be fully treated when detected early. Without a doubt, routine skin checks with your dermatologist are one of the best skin cancer screening tools available for early detection and diagnosis. At Contemporary Dermatology near Cape Cod, MA, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Nossa is committed to helping patients preserve the health and beauty of their skin with comprehensive skin cancer screenings, diagnostic tools, treatment options, and more. Keep reading to find out more about what happens during a skin check exam, what tools and techniques are used to screen for skin cancer, and how often you should schedule your regular skin checks.

Who needs to get regular skin checks?

Regular skin exams are recommended for virtually everyone, regardless of age or skin type. However, patients with certain risk factors for skin cancer may be advised to undergo skin checks more often and/or at an earlier age than other men and women. These skin cancer risk factors include:

• Fair skin

• Family history of skin cancer

• Sun exposure

• UV tanning beds

• Moles

• History of severe or repetitive sunburns

What should I expect during a skin check for skin cancer?

During your comprehensive skin cancer screening in Southern Massachusetts, Dr. Nossa will take ample time to thoroughly evaluate your skin, assess any suspicious areas, discuss your concerns, and perform any necessary biopsies or other procedures. Dr. Nossa will examine all areas of your skin, including your scalp, the soles of your feet, and other areas that are often missed on self-exams. You will also be asked to point out any specific moles or areas of concern that you would like to be checked further. Dr. Nossa may use a scope and other optical magnification tools to take a closer look at suspicious areas.

If a mole or another feature looks concerning or potentially cancerous, Dr. Nossa may recommend removing the area and sending it for a biopsy. Removing the mole can typically be performed quickly and virtually painlessly in the office with the use of a local anesthetic. Within about a week, Dr. Nossa will call you with the results of your pathology and recommend the most appropriate course of action thereafter.

How often should I have a skin check?

Depending on your personal and family history, your risk factors for developing skin cancer, and whether you have any suspicious or changing moles, you may be encouraged to schedule a skin check once or twice per year. In addition to scheduling regular skin exams, all patients should routinely evaluate their own skin for suspicious moles, skin changes, and other signs of a potential problem. Both physicians and patients often use the “ABCDEs” of skin cancer as a reminder of which features to look at in a mole or skin spot when performing a skin cancer check. These include:

• Asymmetry

• Border

• Color

• Diameter

• Evolving

During your skin check with Dr. Nossa, he will go over these aspects in greater detail to ensure you know what to look for when evaluating your skin between office visits.

With routine skin cancer screenings in Southern Massachusetts, patients can get the peace of mind they deserve

When it comes to skin cancer, early detection and diagnosis are critical. To learn more about the importance of annual skin checks for skin cancer, call Contemporary Dermatology near Cape Cod, MA to schedule your one-on-one consultation with award-winning board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Nossa today.