Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., but annual skin exams can help detect it at its earliest and most treatable stages. These exams can also allow your dermatologist to find and remove precancerous lesions before they develop into skin cancer.
As we head into a season of spending lots of time outdoors in the sun, and as we approach Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, now is the time to make an appointment for yourself or other family members for an annual skin exam at Rodgers Dermatology!
More Information About Annual Skin Exams at Rodgers Dermatology
We, along with the Skin Cancer Foundation, recommend that you have a full body skin exam once a year. In general, you should start having regular skin exams when you are in your 20s or 30s. This is especially true if you have one or more of the following risk factors (or you may need to start screening even earlier):
- Blonde or red hair
- Light eye color
- Skin that freckles or sunburns easily
- Family history of melanoma
- Personal history of sunburns
- History of unusual moles
- Tanning bed use
- More than 50 moles
- A suspicious-looking mole
Dr. Rodgers will examine your skin from head to toe, and if he sees any unusual spots, he will then use a dermatoscope. This is a special tool that makes it easier to get a magnified, detailed look at these spots. He may also make a note of any suspicious spots so he can monitor them over time. Photos may be taken so this skin exam can be compared with the next one. Dr. Rodgers may also want to take a small tissue sample of the lesion (a biopsy) to send to a lab for testing.
Prepare For Your Skin Exam
To help you prepare and make the most of your appointment, follow these tips:
- Perform a self-exam and come to your appointment prepared with notes about any new, changing, or unusual spots you want to point out. If you’ve taken photos of a spot that has changed over time, be sure to bring those.
- Remove nail polish from fingers and toes to enable thorough examination in those areas since skin cancers can form there.
- Wear your hair loose by removing pony tails, buns, or hair clips so that we can get a good look at your scalp where skin cancers can develop.
- Remove any makeup before your exam so that the skin around your eyes is easy to examine.
- Be open about concerns, and ask questions. This is your opportunity to get valuable advice and insight from a professional trained specifically in diseases of the skin. From explanations of unfamiliar terms to pointers on how to do a skin self-exam, Dr. Rodgers is an excellent source of information!
Schedule Your Annual Skin Exam With Rodgers Dermatology today!
Remember that early detection of skin cancer is key when it comes to minimal and cost-effective treatment and having the highest chance of a cure. Always perform a monthly self-skin exam, and if you have any doubt, come in to see us so we can check it out. Book an appointment now!
If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any other skin-related concerns, schedule a consultation by calling 972-704-2400 or booking your appointment online.