Skin Cancer Screening: What Happens During Your Visit

Professional skin cancer screenings are an essential part of your healthcare, just like a yearly wellness checkup or dental exam. They’re especially important if you spend a lot of time in the sun or have risk factors such as atypical moles or a family history of skin cancer.

For clear answers and peace of mind, trust our expert team at Shady Grove Dermatology. We provide comprehensive screenings to catch and address any issues in their earliest stages.

Are you unsure what to expect during your visit? In this month’s post, we walk you through everything you need to know about your upcoming skin cancer screening.

Understanding skin cancer: What we’re checking for

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives. It occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, usually as the result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

During your screening, we are primarily looking for three main types of skin cancer: 

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Melanoma

BCC typically appears as a waxy or pearly bump, while SCC may look like a firm, red nodule or a flat, scaly lesion.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, but it’s highly treatable in its early stages. Unlike benign moles, melanomas often have an asymmetrical shape, irregular border, and an uneven color. They may change in size, shape, or color over time. 

We also check for precancerous changes such as actinic keratosis, which can develop into skin cancer if left untreated.

What to expect during a full-body screening

A skin cancer screening might sound daunting, but this quick, yet thorough, visual examination is nothing to be worried about. It’s your opportunity to ask questions, air concerns, and get the answers you need. Your comfort is our top priority throughout the process.

During the exam, we check every area of your skin for suspicious moles or lesions, including your scalp, face, hands, feet, and everything in between. We may use a magnifying tool, called a dermatoscope, to inspect certain spots.

If we find anything concerning, we can perform a biopsy right here in our office. We numb the area with local anesthetic first, before taking a small tissue sample to send to the lab for further evaluation.

How to prepare for your visit

To make sure your screening goes as smoothly as possible, a little preparation goes a long way. We recommend keeping a list of any new or changing spots you notice during your routine skin self-checks so you can bring them up at the exam. 

On the day of your appointment, we ask that you avoid wearing makeup or nail polish. These products can cover up subtle changes or discoloration on your skin and under your nails that we need to see during a full examination.

We also suggest keeping your hair unstyled and free of hairspray or other products that could make it difficult to thoroughly inspect your scalp. You may want to bring a hairbrush or a hat to tidy up after your visit.

Are you due for a skin cancer screening exam? Contact us at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, Maryland, to schedule an appointment and take a proactive approach to your skin health.