Once skin cancer is diagnosed and treated early enough, there is a 99% survival rate; thus, skin cancer screening plays a huge role in cancer prevention. In addition to comprehensive skin cancer screenings offered at Kentucky Skin Cancer Center in Franklin or Bowling Green, Kentucky, renowned dermatologist Robert Skaggs, MD, FAAD, advises patients to perform regular self-screening at home. To schedule a consultation with a Bowling Green skin cancer specialist, call the Kentucky Skin Cancer Center office or use the online booking tool today.
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How Regularly Do I Require Skin Cancer Screening?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should undergo annual expert skin exams or more often if you are at greater risk for skin cancer. At Kentucky Skin Cancer Center, Dr. Skaggs will advise you on a suitable skin cancer screening frequency for you, depending on your health history or current condition.
How to Prepare for Your Skin Cancer Screening?
A member at Kentucky Skin Cancer Center will inform you on how to prepare before your skin cancer screening. Typically, the preparation comprises removing any makeup so facial skin is clear, removing nail polish to leave the nails visible, and wearing your hair down so that the scalp is easy to examine.
Another crucial part of your skin cancer screening comprises monthly head-to-toe self-exams at home. In case you realize new or changing moles, it’s vital to take note and talk to Dr. Skaggs in the least possible time.
How Should You Check Moles in an At-Home Skin Cancer Screening?
In addition to the obvious areas such as the scalp, a self-exam includes your entire body, including other places you may have ruled out before. To ensure your self-exam is comprehensive enough, check your face, torso, hands, including fingernails, genitals, back (using a handheld mirror), arms at all angles, scalp (use a handheld mirror and a blow dryer), and legs both the back and front.
If you realize any new mole, change in an already existing mole, or anything else abnormal in terms of skin growth, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Skaggs immediately.
What to Expect if Your Skin Growth is Cancerous?
Suppose Dr. Skaggs determines that your mole or any other skin growth is cancerous or possibly cancerous during your skin cancer screening. In that case, he can take immediate action to offer you the necessary treatments. Dr. Skaggs is highly skilled and experienced in removing cancerous moles and other skin growths (precancerous growths inclusive) using minimally invasive techniques.
Dr. Skaggs can remove the cancerous growths in-office at Kentucky Skin Cancer Center. The treatments are performed comfortably using local anesthesia to ease the pain, and there’s hardly any downtime required following your skin cancer removal.
That said, at Kentucky Skin Cancer Center, Dr. Skaggs and his expert medical team strive to offer you peace of mind while providing the comfortable and high-level care you deserve. To receive a comprehensive skin cancer screening from a professional, call the nearest Kentucky Skin Cancer Center office or go online to request an appointment.
