Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It affects more than 3.5 million Americans each year. Skin cancer screening should be done in order to catch any possible cancer cells early. If you are at an increased risk for skin cancer due to family history, then annual skin cancer screenings are advised. At Trillium Creek Dermatology, we offer skin cancer screenings and treatments.
How are Skin Cancer Screenings done? Here are some things to know.
Avoid Wearing Makeup or Cosmetics
It is important to not wear any makeup, nail polish, or other cosmetics when getting checked for skin cancer. This is because these products can cover up areas where cancer can occur.
You Will Be Wearing a Gown
Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body. Yes, even in places without sun exposure. The skin cancer screening is a head-to-toe examination, which includes the scalp, bottom of the feet, and even genital regions. To help keep you comfortable, you will be wearing a gown during the examination. Our team believes that we should be thorough and performing a head-to-toe examination is important to make sure that there is absolutely no area that is missed.
There Are No Machines Used
When patients think of a skin cancer screening or going to the doctor, they often picture big machines that they will be put under. This is not the case with skin cancer screening. Your Trillium Creek dermatologist will do the screening themselves with the help of a dermascope.
Biopsy*
If there is a suspicious mole, then we will offer to do the biopsy the same day*. Performing a biopsy is the only sure way to find out if an area is cancerous. For the biopsy, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic. A sample will be sent to our lab to be examined. The biopsied area is bandaged. It can take a week or so to get the results of the biopsy. If cancer is found, we will develop a treatment plan for you.
*Appointment will be switched from a ‘Preventative Screening’ over to a ‘Full Body Exam’ if biopsy is required. Insurance is recommended. A regular office visit code will be billed. The remaining balance is the patient’s responsibility.
Bring Records If You Have Had Skin Cancer Issues Previously
If you have previously had skin cancer or a biopsy done, bring your previous records to the appointment. This will help us to determine the best treatment route.
Contact Trillium Creek
Most types of skin cancers are 100% curable if caught early. That is why it is important to get regular screenings. Skin cancer screening is a quick, in-office treatment that only takes about 15 minutes. To set up your skin cancer screening, contact our team. We have offices in Medina, Wooster, Wadsworth, and Brunswick, Ohio. To schedule a consultation call 330.725.0569 today.
