Skin Cancer Screenings

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting one out of every five people. Getting professional skin cancer screenings at Whittington Dermatology in Munster and Hobart, Indiana, can help you stay on top of your skin health, reducing your risk of complications. Adam Whittington, MD, and providers take a patient-centered approach to care and provide screenings and treatments for skin cancer. Call the office or schedule your skin cancer screening online today.

What are skin cancer screenings?

Skin cancer screenings are a thorough examination of your skin, looking for abnormal skin growths or lesions. Skin cancer is common and regular skin cancer screenings can find abnormal growths, so you get the care you need right away.

There are many types of skin cancer. Some of the more common include:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is a type of skin cancer that affects the squamous cells in your skin. These growths may appear as scaly patches of skin or flat red nodules.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is abnormal growths of the basal cells, causing pearly bumps, flat lesions, or bleeding scabs.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It’s an abnormal growth of your melanocytes, which are the pigment-producing cells. Melanoma is more dangerous than SCC and BCC because it grows quickly and travels to other parts of the body.

Actinic keratosis (AK)

AK is a precancerous lesion that looks like a nonhealing scab. Though not a type of cancer, removing AK may lower your risk of developing cancer.

When do I need skin cancer screenings?

You need skin cancer screenings at Whittington Dermatology whenever you find an abnormal growth on your skin. The dermatology practice also recommends annual skin cancer screenings for people with a personal or family history of skin cancer. 

Dermatologists also recommend regular skin cancer screenings for people with:

• Fair skin
• Blond or red hair
• Skin that burns easily
• A history of a severe sunburn
• A large or numerous moles
• Excessive sun exposure

These are risk factors for skin cancer, but anyone who exhibits symptoms of skin cancer should make a screening appointment. 

What happens during skin cancer screenings?

Whittington Dermatology takes a personalized approach to dermatology care. The specifics of your skin cancer screening will depend on your skin type, medical history, and concerns. 

However, you can expect a thorough exam during your skin cancer screening. Your dermatologist starts with your scalp and ends at the bottom of your feet, inspecting every inch of skin. They make note of all moles and skin growths for future skin cancer screenings.

If your provider finds suspicious skin growths, they remove it and send it to the lab for analysis. Your dermatologist also talks to you about checking your skin at home. Regular self-skin cancer exams make it easier for you to recognize abnormal growths.

Don’t wait, call Whittington Dermatology, or schedule your skin cancer screening online today.