Skin Cancer Screenings in Great Neck, NY

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 20% of Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. The high prevalence of skin cancer means routine screenings are crucial, particularly if you have a family or personal history of skin cancer. Detecting skin cancer early is essential to provide you more treatment options and improved outcomes. Along with many innovative skin cancer treatments, Dr. Adam Bodian offers comprehensive skin cancer screenings and biopsies of abnormal areas. To schedule a skin cancer screening, contact Bodian Dermatology in Great Neck, NY.

Men and women of all ages are at risk for skin cancer. While people with fairer complexions are at higher risk, all skin tones and types can get skin cancer. Dr. Bodian recommends every patient perform routine skin self-exams so they know what's normal and when anything changes. You should schedule a skin exam anytime you are worried that an area on your skin has changed, itches, or bleeds. If you or a close relative have been diagnosed with skin cancer, then you should schedule yearly skin exams.

Skin cancer exams play a critical role in protecting both your complexion and your overall health. Regular skin cancer screenings allow our providers to identify any areas of concern, including questionable spots, moles, or lesions, and take the proper steps to determine whether or not they indicate cancer. The benefits of skin cancer screenings at Bodian Dermatology include:

• Earlier detection and protection against skin cancer
• Discerning if a spot mole is pre-cancerous or cancerous
• Diagnosing melanoma in the beginning stages
• May make skin cancer more straightforward to manage when found early
• Swift, office-based protocol

At your skin cancer screening, Dr. Bodian will check your full body for birthmarks, moles, and any other abnormal areas. He might create a map of spots to mark areas of concern and to easily identify new spots at future checks. Dr. Bodian will explain to you how you can perform a self-exam between your appointments. Sometimes, Dr. Bodian might recommend a biopsy of a suspicious mole or spot. He will numb the skin, then shave a little sample, which will be sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. Upon receiving your pathology report, our office will contact you with the results.

Following your exam, Dr. Bodian will speak with you about your results and make recommendations. He will also tell you when you need to come back for your next skin cancer screening. Should you require a biopsy of an abnormal area, there is a chance of scarring. Dr. Bodian will do his best to minimize the incision and take the thinnest skin sample possible during the biopsy. Dr. Bodian will tell you the best way to take care of your skin after the biopsy to help your skin heal properly. With good care, the incision should fade so it is hardly visible.

What are some signs of skin cancer I should look for?

When it comes to identifying skin cancer, it's helpful to remember the ABCD's: Asymmetry, Border, Color, and Diameter. Cancerous moles might arise in an irregular pattern where one side doesn't look like the other. They may furthermore have jagged or unclear edges, as well as come off as uneven in color with different shades of brown, black, or tan. Furthermore, they are typically greater than six millimeters in diameter.

How often should I receive a skin cancer screening?
It's generally recommended to schedule skin cancer screenings biannually or annually. If you've noticed any changes in the appearance of lesions or moles on your skin, you should also have it looked at as soon as possible. When identifying skin cancer, early detection is critical, so it is necessary for you to locate suitable help at the first indicator of worry. If you are uncertain if a lesion or mole is malignant, it's a beneficial idea to schedule an appointment at our Great Neck, NY office.

When is a biopsy necessary?
During the initial stage of your skin cancer screening, we will thoroughly review every single area of the skin that seems out of the ordinary. If something looks like it could be cancerous, then a biopsy will need to be performed to remove a small sample for testing. A biopsy is the point that denies or confirms whether cancer is present. Not many cancers are conclusively classified by only seeing them.

If skin cancer is identified, what is the next step in treatment?
Biopsies and screenings are the first line of defense against skin cancer. If we do confirm that you have skin cancer, we will begin a treatment plan to eradicate the cancerous cells and prevent it from spreading. Bodian Dermatology helps patients with biopsies, screenings, diagnosis, and treatments. Our team can offer reconstructive and plastic surgery as well. If required, we might additionally have patients consult a Mohs-trained dermatologist who will be able to offer the removal of certain types of cancers on the skin.

Knowing your risk factors and early detection are two major keys to the successful treatment of skin cancer. If you're due to get a regular skin check, contact Bodian Dermatology in Great Neck, NY. Whether you are already seeing Dr. Bodian for cosmetic treatments, are at elevated risk for getting skin cancer, or you have questions about a skin growth, schedule a skin cancer exam at Bodian Dermatology.