Skin Cancer Screening
What to Expect During an Annual Skin Cancer Screening
Scheduling an annual skin cancer screening is important for your overall health. Doctors diagnose around 3.3 million Americans with squamous and basal skin cancers each year.
Discover what to expect from your upcoming skin cancer screening so there are no surprises.
Prep Your Skin
- Avoid wearing any makeup, lotion, or other skin products to your appointment.
- Take note of moles, freckles, or skin tags that have changed recently or that you're concerned about.
- Make a list of these areas of concern for your appointment so you can discuss them with your dermatologist.
- Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off. Your dermatologist will need to check your skin from head to toe.
Review Your Medical History
- Your dermatologist will review your medical history before they start examining your skin.
- They'll ask about past skin issues, exposure to the sun, tanning beds, and a family history of skin cancer.
- Now is the time for you to share the skin issues that concern you.
Prepare for Physical Examination
- Your dermatologist will examine your entire body, starting with your scalp and face and ending with your toes.
- They'll use several tools during this process, including a dermatoscope and a dermojet.
- The goal of this step, or the screening, is to get a closer look at areas of concern on your skin.
You Might Need a Biopsy
- If your dermatologist notices anything unusual during the physical examination, they may recommend a biopsy and further analysis.
- Several types of biopsies include shave, punch, or excisional biopsies.
- You might need stitches to close the wound if your dermatologist removes a large lump or area of skin.
- Your dermatologist can use the results from your biopsy to diagnose various skin conditions
- These skin conditions can include rashes, infections, skin cancer, and other disorders.
- Researchers will examine the skin sample under a microscope to determine indicators of the presence of diseases.
- Biopsies can be intimidating, but they're a safe and simple procedure.
- Your dermatologist will let you know about follow-up.
Learn About Skin Cancer Prevention Tips
- Your dermatologist will provide you with tips and tricks on how to reduce your skin cancer risks.
- They'll also let you know certain areas that you should pay attention to in the future.
- Some tips they might share with you include performing regular self-exams, staying in the shade, and wearing sunscreen that's over 30 SPF.
- Your dermatologist could recommend wearing long-sleeved pants and shirts that cover your entire body.
- You'll learn about signs of potential skin issues.
- These signs can include scars that change their appearance, a new sore or growth that doesn't heal, and patches that bleed, hurt, or itch.
You can approach your annual skin cancer screening appointment without angst and stress. Knowing what to expect from your screening will help you feel prepared and confident. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays and decrease your skin cancer risks by wearing UV-blocking clothing from BloqUV!
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com