What is a Skin Cancer Screening?
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.
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Who Needs a Skin Cancer Screening?
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.
Checking Your Skin for Cancer
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.
What to Expect During Your Screening
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.
Early Detection is the Key
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.