Cancer is a disease that occurs due to the abnormal growth of cells in the body. When cancer starts in the skin, it is referred to as skin cancer. Cancer is the most common disease in the United States. Some people are more vulnerable to skin cancer however anyone can acquire it. If skin cancer is detected early, specialists can treat it, and there are high chances of eliminating it. Skin cancer has three major types: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. You can minimize your chances of suffering from skin cancer by reducing your exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If you notice unusual changes in your skin, it is vital to go for a check-up to detect the disease at its early stages. Northstar Dermatology provides skin cancer screenings in Fort Worth and beyond. Their dermatologists are dedicated to giving you a high clinical care level to provide you with long-lasting, healthy skin.
How do you know that you need skin cancer screening?
Your doctor recommends that you go for full-body screening once a year. Schedule a meeting with your dermatologist at Northstar Dermatology for a comprehensive screening if you are at risk of acquiring skin cancer. Factors that show you are at risk of cancer include light skin tone, blue or green eyes, red or blonde hair, history of regular sunburns, family and personal history of skin cancer, lentigo, and numerous skin moles.
What should you expect in a skin cancer screening?
When you are scheduled for screening, you should prepare well for the session by:
Avoid make-up. This will allow the doctor to have a close examination of the skin around your face.
Remove nail polish. This will allow the doctor to examine your fingers, nails, and nail beds.
Have loose hair so that your scalp can also be examined. During the screening, your doctor will request you to change into a gown to allow examination success. The dermatologist will then review the skin all over your body, considering signs such as freckles, lesions, abnormal growth, and moles.
What can you expect after screening?
After the screening process, your dermatologist will analyze the results. If abnormal growths or discolorations are found, the doctor can recommend a biopsy to check for the presence of skin cancer. They will then give you preventive measures to protect your skin, such as staying out of the sun during hot hours, wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothes covering your skin. The dermatologist can also recommend you do a skin self-exam at home so that you can familiarize yourself with your skin and any abnormalities. If you experience abnormalities on your skin, dermatologists at Northstar Dermatology recommend that you contact them to receive an examination. According to the American Cancer Society, conducting a self-cancer screening is essential to notice changes early. Self-exam is necessary, especially if you’ve had cancer before or are at a higher risk of getting cancer. Most cancerous cases are treatable when they are found early. The cancer tends to spread to other areas when it doesn’t get detected and treated early. Talk to your dermatologist when you notice abnormalities on your skin and whether you need screening.