When it comes to protecting your health, few things are as important, or as overlooked, as regular skin cancer screenings. Most people remember to schedule their annual physical and dental cleanings, but many forget to give their body’s largest organ attention too.
With the best skin cancer specialist treatments and screenings for early detection, you can ensure your skin is healthy from the inside out.
Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about this common skin concern.
What Are the Most Common Types of Skin Concern?
Not all skin cancers are the same. Some grow slowly and stay localized while others can spread very quickly if left untreated.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type. It typically develops in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, ears, and scalp.
Common symptoms of BCC include:
- Pink patches of skin
- Shiny or pearly bumps
- Sores that heal and return
BCC rarely spreads to other areas of the body. But, if not treated promptly, it can cause significant tissue damage.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It’s also common in sun-exposed areas and is often more aggressive, and more likely to spread, compared to BCC.
It causes symptoms like open sores, scaly red patches, raised bumps with a depression in the middle, and wart-like growth.
The last type is melanoma. This form of skin cancer is less common but is the most dangerous form. If not detected early, it can rapidly spread throughout the body.
It often appears as a changing mole or dark spot. You can identify warning signs of melanoma using the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color changes
- Diameter larger than 6 mm
- Evolving shape, size, or color
If you notice any of these changes, you’ll want to see a dermatologist immediately.
Why Skin Cancer Screenings Are So Important
One of the biggest challenges is that skin cancer often develops without causing pain or noticeable symptoms, especially in the earliest stages.
This is why routine screenings are so important.
When performing a skin examination, your doctor will be able to identify suspicious lesions before they become serious. Early detection means less invasive treatment, reduced risk of the cancer spreading, and higher survival rates.
Simply put, finding skin cancer early can save your skin and your life.
What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening?
Skin exams are simple, painless, and take less than 30 minutes. During your appointment, your skin care specialist will review your medical and family history.
They will then examine your skin from head to toe, evaluate any suspicious moles or spots, and discuss any areas of concern. If needed, they may recommend monitoring or a biopsy.
In some instances, advanced imaging may be used to better document and monitor moles over time.
How Often Should I Be Screened for Skin Cancer?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Frequency depends on your individual risk factors.
At a minimum, adults should be screened annually.
However, more frequent evaluations may be recommended if you have:
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Many moles
- Fair skin that burns easily
- Significant sun exposure
- A history of tanning bed use
Your dermatologist will recommend a screening schedule that’s best for your risk profile.
What Advanced Screening Technologies Are Available?
Visual inspections are still very important. But, modern dermatology has changed how we screen for skin cancer.
Here are some of the latest and greatest screenings to know about.
Dermoscopy
This screening uses a handheld device that magnifies the skin to allow providers to examine structures beneath the surface. Dermoscopy improves diagnostic accuracy and makes it easier to identify suspicious lesions earlier.
Digital Mole Mapping
Digital mole mapping captures high-resolution images of moles and lesions. These images can be compared over time to better detect subtle changes that could indicate melanoma.
Total Body Photography
Patients with a history of skin cancer, or those with numerous moles, often benefit from total body photography. It creates a comprehensive visual record of the skin for ongoing monitoring.
Skin Biopsies
If a lesion is considered suspicious, your provider will perform a biopsy. It involves removing a small sample of tissue that is then sent to a lab for evaluation. This is the gold standard for confirming skin cancer.
What Are the Most Advanced Skin Cancer Treatment Options?
A skin cancer diagnosis can be scary. But, you can have confidence that today’s treatments are more effective and more precise than ever before.
Some of the top treatments include:
- Surgical excision – Removal of the cancerous lesion and a margin of healthy tissue
- Mohs surgery – Removes thin layers of tissue in stages until no cancer cells remain
- Cryotherapy – Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy certain precancerous lesions
- Radiation therapy – Usually recommended for patients who aren’t candidates for surgery or for certain advanced cases
- Immunotherapy – Works by helping the body’s immune system identify and attack cancer cells more effectively
Your specialist will determine which treatment options are most suitable, and most effective, for your specific type of skin cancer.
Dr. Marjan Yousefi Offers the Best Skin Cancer Specialist Screenings for Early Detection
A healthier tomorrow starts with protecting your skin today. A combination of regular screenings, sun protection, and prompt treatment gives you the best defense against skin cancer.
If you have a mole that looks suspicious or if you’re overdue for your annual skin exam, look no further than Dr. Marjan Yousefi.
We offer the best skin cancer specialist treatments and screenings for early detection.
Contact us by calling 703-255-5070 today to speak with a member of our team or book your appointment online and get on the path to healthy, cancer-free skin.