You’ve been meaning to schedule a visit to have an odd mole checked for a long while, but life gets busy, and honestly, you’ve been a little nervous about it.
That last part is the most important reason to stop waiting.
A skin cancer screening appointment near Prince Frederick, Maryland is one of the most straightforward, potentially life-saving things you can do for yourself!
Who Should Be Getting Regular Skin Cancer Screenings?
This type of cancer affects more Americans every year than all other cancers combined, and it doesn’t discriminate based on age, skin tone, or lifestyle.
Certain factors do elevate your risk though.
You should prioritize regular screenings if you have a fair complexion, light eyes, and /or a history of frequent sun exposure or sunburns, especially blistering burns during childhood.
Having a personal or family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, and / or atypical growths all warrant consistent monitoring.
Even if none of these apply to you, annual or biannual screenings are a reasonable investment in your long-term health, because skin cancer can develop in anyone.
Warning Signs That Mean You Should Book a Screening Sooner Rather Than Later
Don’t wait for your next scheduled screening if you notice any of the following:
- A new or changing mole
- Asymmetry or irregular borders
- Unusual coloring
- A sore that won’t heal
- Pearly or waxy bumps
- Flat, scar-like lesions
- Moles that are itchy tender, and / or bleeding
What Happens During the Visit?
Your appointment begins with a conversation about your personal and family medical history, your skin type, and any specific lesions or changes you’ve noticed.
Your dermatologist will then perform a thorough head-to-toe examination of your skin, from your scalp all the way down, including between your toes.
A dermatoscope, which is a specialized magnifying device, is used to examine suspicious lesions in high-resolution detail, revealing structural features invisible to the naked eye.
The entire screening typically takes less than 30 minutes for a full-body examination, and it’s pain free.
What Comes Next After Your Screening?
If any spots that are found look benign, your dermatologist will recommend a follow-up timeline based on your individual risk profile.
If a lesion needs further investigation, a biopsy is performed right in the office during the same visit or at a quickly scheduled follow-up.
A small tissue sample is taken and then sent to the lab, with results typically returned within one to two weeks.
The Majority of Skin Cancers Can Be Successfully Treated When They’re Caught Early
Hearing this word is frightening, and it’s completely normal to be scared. However, you can help reduce your risk through regular checks.
This is why a skin cancer screening appointment near Prince Frederick, Maryland is vital.
The two most common types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) have cure rates exceeding 95% when treated promptly.
Even melanoma, the most serious form, has an excellent prognosis when diagnosed at an early stage before it spreads.
Your Treatment Options if Skin Cancer Is Found
If your biopsy confirms skin cancer, your dermatologist will walk you through your options immediately.
For many cases, treatment is straightforward and highly effective.
Mohs surgery is the top choice for treating basal and squamous cell carcinomas in cosmetically sensitive or high-risk areas.
This microscopic technique removes cancerous tissue one precise layer at a time while examining margins in real time, achieving the highest cure rate available.
Other common treatment options include excision, topical medications, and radiation therapy.
For advanced cases, referral to an oncologist may be necessary.
Protect Your Health by Booking Your Skin Cancer Screening Appointment Near Prince Frederick, Maryland at Mid-Atlantic Skin Surgery Institute Today
Exceptional dermatological care is always within reach!
Don’t let another month or year pass without getting checked. Call us at 301-396-3401 and book your screening today!