The importance of professional screening for all skin types:
FAQs about early detection of skin cancers
Skin cancers are the most common type of cancer in the U.S. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports that one out of every five of us will develop skin cancer by our 70th birthday. But we at Apex Dermatology know it does not have to be this way! Cancers of the skin are highly preventable with sun protection behaviors and products, antioxidants, and regular skin checks. Ideally, a professional screening at intervals, as advised by one of our providers in Westlake Village, California, should be complemented by regular self-checks at home. These healthy habits support early detection, and unlike other cancers, skin cancer is more likely to be “cured” when treated early before it has spread beyond its site of origin to other tissues and parts of the body.
I have dark skin. Do I still need to be screened?
Yes! Everyone should be screened regularly. While individuals with fair skin who always burn and rarely, if ever, tan are at increased risk of developing skin cancers, even people of color can develop cancerous growths. This is particularly important for people with a family history of atypical moles or skin cancers or with extensive sun or tanning exposure such as outdoor athletes. Even if your outdoor exposure was in childhood, prior sun damage adds up and it is best to be screened at least annually depending on your personal history or concerns.
How often do I need to be screened?
Most patients will need to visit our professionals annually for screening. However, if you have risk factors for skin cancer, we will want to screen more frequently. These risks include a previous history of tanning, sunburns, and those who are fair and have naturally red or blonde hair. Additionally, those with many and atypical moles are also at increased risk of developing skin cancers. Your screenings, as well as guidance on treatments and skincare at home, are tailored to your specific needs/personal characteristics.
What can I expect during a screening?
One of our skilled providers will visually inspect your skin, paying close attention to those sun-exposed and hard-to-see areas, such as behind the ears and the scalp. A visual screening is just the beginning, as our eyes are limited in what they can see. To get a closer look at a specific area or anomaly, we often use a special handheld device called a dermatoscope. This tool allows us to see special patterns and features in skin spots and helps guide their management when used by a trained provider. So we can clearly detect any changes with coloring or other nuances. As needed, a small tissue sample may also be removed for further evaluation under a microscope.
What should I look for at home?
Regular visits to Apex Dermatology are great opportunities to be empowered to take better care of your skin. We advise you and your spouse or partner on how to examine the skin on an ongoing basis. We can also show you what to look for as potential red flags on the skin. Basically, any time there are changes to new or existing moles and growths, it may warrant further evaluation. These changes include what we call “ugly duckling” spots, which tend to stick out from the rest of the skin in some way. They may be noticeable due to their many colors, odd borders, large size, and/or itching, bleeding, and failure to heal (among persistent sores).
Our team in Westlake Village, CA, urges you not to wait if you are concerned about a change in your skin. We offer many onsite capabilities, such as standard excision, precision GentleCure™, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery, to effectively treat even some of the most challenging or recurrent cancers. Call 818-889-2739 to request your screening today.
