One of the most effective ways to improve your chance of survival with skin cancer is to get regular skin screenings if your doctor recommends them. At Heights Dermatology in Houston, Rosenberg, Lake Jackson, Portland, Corpus Christi, Palacios, Columbus, Gonzales, Dallas, Mansfield, Beaumont, Bay City, New Braunfels, and San Antonio, Texas, experienced dermatologists provide detailed skin screenings and biopsies. To schedule an appointment, call Heights Dermatology or book online today.
What is a skin screening?
Skin screening is a simple test for signs of skin cancer, even if you don’t notice any indications yourself. The test takes the form of a visual exam, as your dermatologist closely examines your skin for suspicious lesions.
If your provider finds any unusual lesions, spots, or changing moles, they may recommend getting skin biopsies to evaluate the cells within them.
Skin cancer screenings improve your chances of finding skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma in early stages when they respond well to conservative treatment.
Your dermatologist at Heights Dermatology can give you tips for self-screening at home if you’re at a particularly high risk of developing skin cancer. This involves checking moles and spots on your body for changes in their shapes, sizes, or colors.
Who should get a skin screening?
Heights Dermatology recommends skin screenings for individuals with certain risk factors for skin cancer. Your dermatologist might encourage you to come in for a skin screening if you have:
- Fair skin
- Blond or red hair
- Frequent sunburns
- Frequent sun exposure
- Many moles on your body
- Blue or green eyes
- A family history of skin cancer
Although it can affect anyone, skin cancer is most common in fair-skinned individuals. You should also consider booking a skin screening if you notice any mole changes or new spots on your own time.
What should I expect during a skin screening?
When you come in for a skin screening at Heights Dermatology, your dermatologist examines you from head to toe in a well-lit room. They ask you to change into a hospital gown during the process, so you still have some privacy while they examine all parts of your skin.
You may also request a nurse to be present in the room if it makes you more comfortable.
Your dermatologist uses a magnifying glass for close-up examination for certain concerning spots and lesions. The magnifying glass has a light on it to illuminate the targeted section of skin.
The entire skin screening exam takes just 10-15 minutes, and you should make sure you’re not wearing any makeup ahead of time as it could conceal certain spots or lesions.
If you’re due for a skin screening, call Heights Dermatology or book an appointment online today.
