skin cancer screenings
About one in five Americans receives a diagnosis of skin cancer at some point during their lifetime. Though serious, thanks to modern treatment techniques skin cancer can be managed and, in many cases, reversed. At Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics in Orange City, Florida, Neil Sandhu, MD, FAAD, and the team provide diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. To schedule an appointment, book online or call the office and speak with a friendly staff member today.
Call Today! 386-628-DERM (3376)
skin cancer screening Q&A
Annexus Dermatology & Aesthetics performs full skin cancer screening on all new patients and on a yearly basis. Patients that have had a skin cancer will be screened every 3 to 6 months.
What are skin cancer screenings?
Full body skin exams, also known as skin cancer screenings, provide a way to detect skin cancers early and thereby decrease morbidity and mortality. Your provider will examine your skin and nails, from head to toe, visually and by using an instrument called a dermatoscope. They may do a biopsy or surgical removal of the mole to determine if it is or isn’t cancerous. Education on proper sun protection will be provided. Patients should perform self-exams at home to detect any changes between exams. If any suspicious growths appear, an appointment should be made.
what are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?
The key to detecting skin cancers is to notice changes in your skin. Signs to look for include:
- Large brown spots with darker speckles located anywhere on the body.
- Dark lesions on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, fingertips toes, mouth, nose or genitalia.
- Translucent pearly and dome-shaped growths.
- Existing moles that begin to grow, itch or bleed.
- Brown or black streaks under the nails.
- A sore that repeatedly heals and re-opens.
- Clusters of slow-growing scaly lesions that are pink or red.
Annexus Dermatology & Aesthetics recommends using The American Academy of Dermatology’s ABCDEs as a guide for assessing whether or not a mole or other lesion may be becoming cancerous.
- Asymmetry: Half the mole does not match the other half in size, shape or color.
- Border: The edges of moles are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
- Color: The mole is not the same color throughout.
- Diameter: The mole is usually greater than 6 millimeters when diagnosed, but may also be smaller.
- Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that is different from the rest, or changes in size, shape, or color.
- Checking your skin monthly and contacting your dermatologist if you notice any changes.
- Getting regular skin examinations. It is advised that adults over 40 get an annual exam with a dermatologist.
If any of these conditions occur, please make an appointment to see one of our providers at Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics in Orange City, FL right away.
what methods can i take to prevent skin cancer?
Roughly 90% of nonmelanoma cancers are attributable to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. That’s why prevention involves: Staying out of the sun during peak hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Covering up the arms and legs with protective clothing. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Using sunscreens year round with a SPF of 15 or greater and sunblocks that work on both UVA and UVB rays. Look for products that use the term “broad spectrum.”
The providers at Annexus Dermatology & Aesthetics advise that adults over 40 get regular skin examinations on an annual basis. To schedule a skin cancer screening, or for more information on skin cancer treatment, contact Annexus Dermatology & Aesthetics by calling (386) 628-3376 today!
