Discover skin cancer in its early stages with our board-certified skin cancer screenings.
What is skin cancer screening?
Skin cancer screenings are used to find signs of cancerous cells anywhere on the patient’s skin. The process typically involves a thorough examination of the patient’s skin with special attention given to problematic areas. A dermatoscope is often used for more effective screening.
Most types of skin cancer are relatively easy to treat if diagnosed early. In fact, these treatments are typically minimally invasive and only require a little time to hear. In most cases, you can continue with your regular daily routine as soon as your appointment is over.
However, a prolonged diagnosis can lead to more severe conditions, including cancerous cells that spread beyond the skin and affect other areas. That’s why skin cancer screenings are crucial, especially for high-risk patients. If you have noticed odd skin conditions that seemed to appear without cause, schedule your skin cancer screening at our dermatology offices in Lancaster or Granville.
Skin Cancer Screening FAQs
Our patients have a lot of questions when they come to our dermatology offices in Granville and Lancaster for skin cancer screenings. We’ve included answers to some of the most common questions below. For more specific questions, contact one of our dermatology clinics.
This depends on the situation. Typically, insurance and medicare will only cover skin cancer screenings if they are deemed medically necessary.
To ensure coverage, it’s usually best to first schedule an appointment to have a specific concern evaluated, then allow the dermatologist to schedule the screening. However, whether or not it will actually be covered depends on the plan.
If you’re in a high-risk group, we recommend 2-3 screenings per year. High-risk groups include:
Otherwise, it’s important to get a skin cancer screening if you notice unusual skin conditions or if your doctor has recommended a screening appointment.
We typically recommend patients begin regular screenings in the 20s or 30s. However, younger patients experiencing frequent sun exposure (even with sunscreen) or a family history of skin cancer should begin skin cancer screenings at a younger age.
Skin cancer screenings typically take less than 30 minutes. This is even true for new patients, although more severe cases may take longer.
Skin Cancer Screening Photos
These photos offer a quick look at what to expect during your skin cancer screening visit, as well as how skin cancer sometimes presents itself. It’s usually a fast process that involves minimal contact.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening in Lancaster or Granville
Skin cancer screening is the first step in early detection. The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the faster and less invasive the treatment. Early detection also means less recovery time. If you think that unsightly mark might be a sign of skin cancer, don’t hesitate.
Schedule your skin cancer screening today! You can easily contact us online through this website. You can also call our dermatology office in Lancaster at 740-687-1177 or 740-587-3376 for our Granville Office.