What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening?
At the Skin Center of South Miami, adult patients have access to routine skin cancer screenings. This is incredibly important as thousands of Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Additionally, with the skin being the largest organ on the body, skin cancer can be easily spotted in the earliest stages. With a proper diagnosis at this point, many patients will recover from their skin cancer with appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Cancers left undiagnosed or untreated may spread and become more dangerous for the patient, so early detection is key!
It is recommended that everyone have an annual skin cancer screening. But what can a patient expect during this visit? South Miami, FL area patients who are due for an upcoming screening can expect the following.
What happens during a skin cancer screening?
Before your examination, it is important to do a self-check. This is a great time to examine the skin. You know your skin and body best, and if there are any areas of concern, it is a good idea to bring them up to the doctor during the visit. Any moles or growths that are new, have changed, or have symptoms such as itching or bleeding should be noted.
When patients arrive for their appointment, they are changed into a medical examination gown. The patient will stand as the doctor evaluates every inch of the skin, looking for growths, moles, or skin tags that appear unusual or concerning. If there are any possible signs of skin cancer, a small sample called a biopsy is taken. The biopsy is sent to a laboratory to look for cancerous skin cells. If a biopsy comes back as positive for skin cancer, the doctor will notify the patient and schedule a visit to discuss treatment options.
Call the Skin Center of South Miami
If you are in need of an annual skin cancer screening, we welcome you to book an appointment with our team of professionals in South Miami, FL. Our doctors can provide a thorough evaluation of the entire body to look for signs that may be indicative of possible cancerous skin cells. Call (305) 740-6181 to request an appointment.