Author: Time To Get Checked: When Should You Visit A Skin Cancer Clinic?

Detecting skin cancer in its very early stages is absolutely vital, but knowing precisely when it’s truly time to seek expert medical assessment versus just monitoring a spot yourself can understandably be confusing for many people. No need to panic and instantly assume the worst-case scenario every time you happen to notice a new funky looking mole or odd skin lesion. However, certain observable changes and high-risk factors do indicate it’s wise to promptly book an appointment at a skin check near me and get checked out by the dermatology pros at your local skin cancer clinic just to be safe. Read on for help identifying the most common visual symptoms that should raise a red flag, who's at the highest risk to develop melanoma, exactly what happens during your clinic visit, and how specialized clinics can provide potentially life-saving early detection services. Let’s keep your skin safe and healthy together.

Be on High Alert for New or Changing Skin Abnormalities Exhibiting These Characteristics:

Asymmetry - moles or lesions with clearly irregular, uneven shapes rather than symmetrical roundish forms. Border - spots with unusually ragged, blurred, or irregular outer edges are causes for concern. Color - a wide variety of hues or very dark black/brown pigmentation can signal trouble. Diameter - moles larger than the size of an average pencil eraser warrant inspection. Evolving - any mole or lesion that appears to be changing in size, shape, or color over time. Also be vigilant for any new sores that are stubbornly slow to heal, lesions that repeatedly itch or bleed for no reason, and any new dark brown to black colored streaks emerging under fingernails or on the palms, soles of feet, lips, mouth, or genital region. When in doubt, get it checked out by the medical professionals.

People Facing the Highest Statistical Risk of Developing Skin Cancer Include:

Those with naturally very fair and freckled skin that always burns easily in the sun. Anyone with a personal history or direct family history of skin cancer. Individuals who have experienced significant sun exposure over many years or frequently used tanning beds. Those with large numbers of atypical or abnormal looking moles - more than 50. Those with weakened immune systems due to certain diseases or immunosuppressant medications. Anyone who has received an organ transplant which requires anti-rejection drugs. Patients with certain rare genetic disorders like xeroderma pigmentosum. Those facing higher risk factors should aim to receive very frequent, regular professional full body skin examinations.

Exactly What Will Happen During Your Skin Cancer Screening Clinic Appointment:

The dermatologist thoroughly examines your entire skin surface for any abnormal or unusual moles, lesions, and blemishes using bright lighting and handheld magnification tools. The doctor closely evaluates each mole using visual inspection, manual palpation, and dermoscopy technology to see below the outer surface of the skin for signs of atypia or malignancy. Photos may be taken of your moles to precisely monitor for any changes in their features over time during future appointments. If any area seems highly suspicious, a small sample will be taken via biopsy and sent to specialized pathology labs for definitive diagnostic testing to determine if cancerous cells are present. If skin cancer is positively identified early, quick and effective treatment can begin immediately before the disease progresses. Your doctor will discuss options like surgical excision, topical creams, or advanced treatments like laser ablation based on the characteristics of the lesion. Continued Prevention and Ongoing Monitoring of Your Skin Even After Visiting the Clinic:

Of course, even after being examined and having suspicious marks removed, it remains essential to continue diligently protecting your skin from sun damage and performing thorough monthly self-checks for new growths. Always promptly return to the dermatology clinic for reevaluation if you notice any worrisome new spots or changes. Consistently partnering with experienced skin cancer experts for ongoing monitoring and early detection provides your best odds of beating this highly curable disease. Catching melanoma and other skin cancers early while still localized in the outermost layers of skin makes treatment much faster, easier, less invasive, and more likely to be successful.

Conclusion 

As you can see, specialized skin cancer clinics can quite literally provide life-saving medical services through knowledgeable expert screening and early intervention. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any help finding an appropriate, qualified dermatology clinic in your local area to schedule an assessment. I'm always happy to discuss your particular skin cancer risks and screening needs in greater detail to help put your mind at ease. Here's to keeping your skin safe and healthy.