Skin Cancer Screening

Skin Cancer Screening in Wesley Chapel, FL

What are the types of skin cancer?

Skin cancer isn’t just one condition; many types exist. These include:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Actinic keratoses
• Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are by far the most common, but melanoma is the most serious. Early detection of any of these cancers is crucial as they can be treated and cured. If allowed to spread, they can be deadly.

What happens during a skin cancer screening?

Dr. Tadicherla provides a full-body screening that takes about 10 minutes. You’ll undress and put on a hospital gown. She then carefully looks at areas typically exposed to the sun, such as your arms, face, neck, hands, and legs. She’ll also look at areas that are hard for you to inspect, but that can develop melanoma or other cancerous lesions. This includes your back, buttocks, armpits, and scalp. Even areas that don’t often see the sun, such as between your toes, are inspected, as melanoma can appear anywhere.

What are the signs of skin cancer?

Most skin cancer appears as a change in your skin. Always alert Dr. Tadicherla to any moles or growths that are new or have changed over time. If you have patches of skin, growths, or moles that itch or bleed, also bring these to her attention.

Will I need a skin biopsy?

The skin cancer screening visual exam helps Dr. Tadicherla identify any suspicious lesions that need a biopsy. If she suspects a mole is cancerous, she’ll numb the location and remove as much of it as possible. She then sends the sample to a lab where it’s tested for cancer cells.

How often should I get a skin cancer screening?

A yearly exam is a good idea, especially if you have a high risk of developing skin cancer. Factors that put you at risk include:

• Fair skin that freckles and burns easily
• A family history of melanoma
• Unusual lesions or moles detected in the past
• You use, or have used, tanning beds
• A high concentration of moles
• A history of sunburns

Don’t wait for a yearly exam if you detect an unusual looking mole. Dr. Tadicherla may recommend twice yearly exams if you’ve been diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma in the past.

Keep your skin healthy with routine skin cancer screenings at Wesley Chapel Dermatology. Call our Wesley Chapel, FL office at (813) 606-4144 to schedule an appointment!