Skin Cancer Screening

A skin cancer screening can tell you if you have skin cancer (or a precancerous lesion) as early as possible so you can get treatment right away. At Park City Dermatology in Park City and Heber City, Utah, board-certified dermatologists Karen Stolman, MD, and Jessica Collins, DO, provide yearly screenings for early detection and prevention of skin cancer in adults. To assess your risk for skin cancer, schedule a screening online or over the phone at Park City Dermatology today.

How does skin cancer screening work?

A professional skin cancer screening looks for signs of skin cancer even when you haven’t noticed any yourself. It’s best to find cancer as early as possible while it’s relatively easy to treat. Most dermatologists recommend getting a skin cancer screening every year for adults, though you might need more frequent screenings if you have a high risk. 

During a skin cancer screening at Park City Dermatology, your dermatologist looks your skin over with a trained eye. If they detect any concerning spots or lesions during the visual exam, the next step is a skin biopsy. During a biopsy, your dermatologist removes a portion of the suspicious tissue for further examination under a microscope. 

Your dermatologist informs you of your biopsy result as soon as possible, whether they detect cancer or not. They can then tell you what comes next if you need treatment. 

Why are skin cancer screenings important?

Routine skin cancer screenings are critical for the following reasons:

Early detection

Detecting skin cancer in an early stage typically leads to a better treatment outcome; cancer can spread to other areas if it’s in a later stage. 

Education

When you visit for a skin cancer screening, your dermatologist takes the opportunity to educate you about the importance of sunscreen, self-exams, and other protective measures. 

Risk identification

Your dermatologist reviews your medical history to assess your skin cancer risk. If you have family members with skin cancer, a history of heavy sun exposure, or have used tanning beds, they may recommend more frequent screenings. 

Prevention

Screenings are one of many steps to prevent skin cancer, alongside sun protection and self-examinations at home.

What are the results of a cancer screening?

Your skin cancer screening can detect early- or late-stage skin cancers, including types like basal and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers may be tricky to identify as they often look like a scaly skin patch or a pearly bump. 

Screenings can also identify melanoma, a type of skin cancer more likely to spread than the other two mentioned. Melanoma often develops within a mole already on your skin, causing it to change shape, size, or color. 

If you receive a skin cancer diagnosis after a screening, your next steps may include surgical removal, photodynamic therapy, or prescription treatments. 

Call Park City Dermatology for your next skin cancer screening or request an appointment online today.