Skin Cancer Screening

Schedule your annual skin cancer screening at
Advanced Dermatology of North Central Ohio.

Schedule your annual skin cancer screening at Advanced Dermatology of North Central Ohio.

Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer can be difficult to detect. It often develops in hard-to-see places, such as the back. In addition, the changes in moles, for example, can be subtle and require a trained eye to identify. You need to be knowledgeable about all forms of skin cancer and monitor your skin diligently.

Our board-certified dermatologists can identify and treat all types of skin cancer. If you’re in need of a full-body skin cancer screening near you, Advanced Dermatology of North Central Ohio can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

What are the Dangers of Skin Cancer?

All types of skin cancer can be dangerous, but some are more dangerous than others. Melanoma, for example, is the most serious type of skin cancer. It’s far more likely to metastasize – to spread throughout the body. Melanoma can also be harder to detect than other types of skin cancer. You should undergo a regular skin cancer screening to check for the irregular moles that indicate melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the easiest to treat and doesn’t often metastasize. Squamous cell carcinoma can also be treated more easily than melanoma. There are other types of skin cancer, but these are the most common and easiest to identify.

Skin Cancer Screening FAQs

What does skin cancer look like?

It depends on the type of skin cancer. These are the most common:

Basal cell carcinoma looks like a white, waxy bump and is often found on the ears, neck, and face.
Squamous cell carcinoma is typified by a scaly growth that often bleeds.
Melanoma is often an atypical mole generally found on the chest and back in men and on the legs in women. It can be identified by the ABCDE method as described below.

How do you identify melanoma?

While you should go to a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis, melanoma can be detected by using the ABCDE method when scrutinizing a mole:

A – Asymmetry. Does one half of the mole match the other half? Cancerous moles or freckles are asymmetrical.
B – Borders. Does the mole have an even border, or is it ragged, blurred, or otherwise irregularly shaped?
C – Color. Regular moles are a solid color. Cancerous moles may contain tannish, dark brown, black, white, red, or even bluish elements.
D – Diameter. Regular moles are typically smaller than a pencil eraser. Larger moles should be examined by a dermatologist.
E – Evolution. Is your mole evolving in shape or size? If your regular skin cancer screening shows that your mole is changing it could be a sign of melanoma.

How do I perform a skin cancer screening?

Because skin cancer can develop anywhere, you need to examine your entire body. You should even check in between your toes and on the soles of your feet. Use a mirror to check your back and the back of your scalp. The ABCDE method can help you identify the beginning stages of melanoma.

Because moles changing is one of the signs of melanoma, you should try to take pictures so you can compare them month over month. This can be difficult for the back or other hard-to-see places where cancer can develop, so you might want to ask a family member or close friend to help you with your skin cancer screening.

How often should I do a skin cancer screening?

Because skin cancer can develop rapidly it’s advised that you perform a skin cancer screening once a month. Full body screenings by a certified dermatologist should be scheduled once per year.

What should I do if I suspect I have skin cancer?

Skin cancer is far easier to treat when caught early, but because it can be confused with noncancerous conditions, you should be examined by a qualified professional. If you find a suspicious mole or another kind of potential skin cancer, schedule a skin cancer screening with your dermatologist. A screening can either set your mind at ease or result in the development of a comprehensive treatment plan to address cancer before it spreads.

Skin Cancer Photos

A critical part of skin cancer screening is knowing what the different types of skin cancer look like. Below are some photos of the different types of skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Screening by Advanced Dermatology of North Central Ohio

Skin cancer is far easier to treat if caught early. If you’ve done a self-screening and find something irregular, you should schedule a full body skin cancer screening with a dermatologist near you. The board-certified dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology of North Central Ohio are skilled at identifying and treating all forms of skin cancer. Book an appointment online or give us a call at 419-756-1600 today.

Have questions or concerns? Please reach out to us.