Who Needs a Skin Cancer Screening?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US.  Over 100,000 Americans received a skin cancer diagnosis in 2020. Of those patients diagnosed, 7000 will likely die. Skin cancer can spread rapidly throughout the body via lymph nodes and blood vessels. It can grow fast and can quickly metastasize to other organs. 

If detected in time, skin cancer is curable in almost all cases. Regular examination of abnormal areas and changes in the skin by Douglass Forsha, MD, and his team reduces the risk of developing skin cancer or dying. Medical skin cancer screening aims to detect skin cancer as early as possible.

Do I need a skin cancer screening?

Certain risk factors may require you to get screened for skin cancer. You may want to get screened if you have any of the following:

• Red or blonde hair
• Fair skin
• Blue or green eyes
• Skin that burns easily
• Freckles
• A history of sunburns
• A history of skin cancer
• A family member who’s had skin cancer
• Work or play outside in the sun frequently
• Lots of moles

Too much exposure to the sun or UV rays in tanning beds can lead to skin cancer. Dr. Forsha at Jordan Valley Dermatology Center can help you decide if you need a regular skin cancer screening.

Signs of skin cancer

There are lots of ways you can screen yourself for skin cancer.  The American Cancer Society recommends monthly self-exams. Signs of skin cancer vary from person to person, but here are some common signs to watch for:

• Painful mole
• Changing moles or spots
• Moles or spots that bleed, ooze, or get crusty
• Skin injury that doesn’t heal
• Bumps (red, translucent, shiny pink, pearly white)
• Moles with irregular borders

If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to make an appointment with Dr. Forsha as soon as possible. 

How do you check for skin cancer?

Skin cancer screenings are provided by Dr. Forsha and his team so that they can catch skin cancer at an early stage when it’s easiest to treat.

The doctor examines your skin from head to toe to determine whether your skin contains any suspicious lesions. Please let Dr. Forsha know if you notice any unusual growths or changes to your skin during your screening appointment.

Dr. Forsha may perform a biopsy if he finds a possible cancerous growth. The doctor takes tissue samples from the suspicious lesion and sends them to the lab for testing. The tissue sample is examined carefully.  The pathologist can then determine if it’s cancerous or not and what type it is. 

Regardless of whether you take part in skin cancer screening, it’s generally advisable to use suitable sun protection and check your skin for changes regularly. If you discover any abnormalities, you should always have them examined by a doctor as soon as possible. 

How do you treat skin cancer?

Depending on your diagnosis and the stage of the skin cancer or precancerous growth, you may require different types of treatment. Dr. Forsha might recommend one of the following procedures depending on your type of skin cancer or precancerous growth:

• Excision
• Curettage
• Cryosurgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Photodynamic therapy

Dr. Forsha’s office provides most of the treatments to treat skin cancer. If you see a suspicious mole or are ready to schedule a preventive skin cancer screening, call the office or book an appointment online today.