Same-day skin cancer screenings in Vienna, VA, allow you to get a professional evaluation as quickly as possible for peace of mind or to allow you to move forward with treatment.
After all, the odd spot on your skin you keep telling yourself is probably nothing may indeed be nothing.
But the harsh reality is that it could be skin cancer.
Your Daily Habits Can Reduce Your Future Risk
You can change your cumulative risk trajectory from today forward, even though you can’t go back in time and eliminate actions that put you at increased risk.
Use of a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher applied every morning regardless of cloud cover or season is a crucial step to take.
You should wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats during peak UV hours.
Complete elimination of tanning bed use is necessary, and consistent annual full-body professional skin exams are the habits that can make a long-term difference.
Annual exams with a skin cancer screening also give your dermatologist a documented baseline for identifying any changes between your visits before anything can become a more serious concern.
Cancers Affecting the Skin Are the Result of Abnormal Skin Cell Growth
The most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, sun exposure combined with tanning bed use is the cause of the majority of skin cancer cases.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma are the three primary types, each with distinct risk profiles and treatment approaches.
Melanoma is the most serious because of its ability to spread to distant organs, which makes an early diagnosis a much better situation.
These Signs Tell You It’s Time to Get Same-Day Skin Cancer Screenings in Vienna, VA
Not every spot that looks alarming at first glance needs same-day skin cancer screenings in Vienna, VA. Watch for warning signs such as:
- A mole that has changed noticeably in size, color, or shape
- A spot that is itchy, bleeding, or crusting over
- Irregular borders
- Multiple shades or colors appearing in one lesion
- Any growth that looks distinctly different from all your other moles
- A growth that is larger than the size of a pencil eraser
The presence of even one of these features is enough to schedule with a skincare professional, and even if you don’t have any of these signs but still have reason to be concerned, you should book a visit.
Higher Risk Patients Have the Most to Gain From a Skin Cancer Screening
While it’s true that skin cancer can develop in anyone regardless of their skin tone or type, there are certain characteristics that elevate your personal risk level of developing melanoma or other types.
Risk factors you should talk about with your provider include:
- A history of tanning bed use
- Significant UV exposure throughout your lifetime
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Multiple skin growths
- Atypical moles
- An immune system that is weakened or compromised
- Frequent or severe sunburns during your childhood
- Fair skin that burns more easily than it tans
- Light-colored eyes or hair
Here’s What to Expect After Same-Day Skin Cancer Screenings in Vienna, VA
If nothing concerning is found during your professional skin exam, the good news is that you are able to leave your dermatologist’s office with reassurance that no skin cancer was found.
If a lesion requires further investigation, your provider will explain to you exactly what they found and why they believe it could be suspicious.
They’ll also let you know what additional evaluation will be needed and what the next steps may involve.
They should explain everything to you in a way that you understand before you leave the appointment.
Choose Dr. Marjan Yousefi and Team When You Have Any Concerns About Your Skin Health
When you need thorough diagnostic or preventative care — or both — contact us by calling 703-255-5070 today to speak with a member of our team or book your appointment online with Dr. Marjan Yousefi.