Annual Skin Exam for Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Every year, thousands of people worldwide are diagnosed with skin cancer. While there are several treatment techniques and options available, early detection of skin cancer is key. In addition to familiarizing yourself with your own skin and noting evolutions or changes, it is also important to receive an annual skin exam.

Discovering the Cancer

In many cases, those who are diagnosed with skin cancer feel no symptoms that would make them feel sick. While it is true that skin cancer develops on areas that are the most exposed to the sun, it can also show up in other areas. During a skin exam, our medical team will thoroughly examine your body, including underneath your fingernails and between your toes. If a questionable area is noticed, it will be biopsied for further diagnosis.

Stopping the Advancement and Spread

Cancer is a disease that has the ability to spread once it emerges in one part of the body. If it is not detected early, then it may grow to an advanced stage and travel to other parts of the body. When detected early, our medical team can effectively monitor the growth pattern and location of the cancer in order to take control of the disease before it further inhibits your health.

Uncovering Spots to Watch for

Some people feel that they are too young to receive a cancer diagnosis, or they may have other reasons for believing that they cannot fall victim to cancer. People of any age and skin type can receive a skin cancer diagnosis. While some may be at higher risk than others, no person is immune to it. Even if skin cancer is not found during the exam, our medical team will become familiar with your skin and know what to look for in future exams.

Providing Advice for Now and the Future

In addition to knowing what to look for themselves, our medical will also offer advice on how to self-examine your skin. Knowing the bumps, moles and lesions on your skin and recognizing if they are growing or changing is key to early diagnosis and treatment. Instructions on the best way to take care of your individual skin type and condition will also be discussed in order to preserve the health of your skin for the long term.

Schedule Your Consultation

Although scheduling a skin exam may seem unnecessary if you don’t think anything is wrong with your skin, it is worth it to get a professional opinion from the skin care experts at the Center for Dermatology. We offer a variety of medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments to help keep your skin healthy and radiant. Contact Center for Dermatology today to schedule your consultation.