SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS NYC

DETECTING & DIAGNOSING SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer screenings in NYC are performed to determine if there are any suspicious growths or markings that are or may lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country. Factors such as ultraviolet radiation from repeated sun exposure, tanning, skin tone, and genetics could all be responsible for contributing to skin cancer. NYC skin cancer screenings can help detect the earliest signs of skin cancer or treat it in its early stages. During your screening, an NYC dermatologist will search for any unusual markings. Any change in skin tone, mole size, or mole color should be screened for skin cancer. Wounds that are not healing at a normal pace should be examined, as well. As one of the most effective ways of identifying, treating, and preventing skin cancer, regular skin cancer screenings could potentially save a life. Our New York City dermatologists can help you feel at ease. The team at Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill has years of experience screening for skin cancer.

WHAT IS A SKIN CANCER SCREENING?

A skin cancer screening is a physical exam that identifies any pigmented marks on the skin. This includes tracking any changes to healthy marks and any growths that may lead to or presently display signs of skin cancer. Skin cancer screenings are performed by our board-certified NYC dermatologists. Skin cancer screenings can detect and test many types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Having regular screenings gives you the best defense against skin cancer. Signs of skin cancer include asymmetrical moles or moles that have changed in appearance, open sores that are not healing correctly, and scaly, crusty patches of skin that don’t heal over time. Skin cancer is most treatable the earlier it is caught. Any discolorations or abnormalities on your skin should not be ignored. Regular skin cancer screenings are recommended. We perform mole mapping to see if there have been any changes in mole size since your last visit. If there are any abnormalities present, we can perform a biopsy to determine if skin cancer is present.

WHO SHOULD HAVE A SKIN CANCER SCREENING IN NYC?

All patients should undergo a yearly skin cancer screening to make sure there aren’t any signs of skin cancer present. As the most common form of cancer, annual checkups can help catch skin cancer in its earliest stages. Skin cancer screenings are especially recommended for patients with fair skin, light eyes, or who freckle easily. People that spend a lot of time in the sun, use tanning beds, live in a warmer climate, or have a family history of skin cancer should also be regularly screened. The team at Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill will thoroughly examine your skin during your in-office consultation.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SKIN CANCER SCREENING IN NYC?

During your skin cancer screening in NYC, our dermatologists will fully examine your skin to see if there are any marks, abnormalities, or signs relating to skin cancer. The screening usually takes around 15 minutes, but if there are any suspicious markings, the exam may take longer. Our dermatologist will ask you if you have noticed any enlarged moles, any unusual markings, or if there are any wounds not healing properly. During your skin cancer screening, we will check your face, chest, arms, underarms, scalp, neck, hands, feet, legs, and back.

WHAT IS A SKIN CANCER BIOPSY?

If our dermatologists find any moles that seem concerning, they will order a skin cancer biopsy. A skin cancer biopsy is a diagnostic test that identifies whether a mole is cancerous or not. A biopsy is performed by removing a mole so that laboratory testing can be performed. During a skin cancer screening, the area will be numbed to make sure you are comfortable. Once numb, an incision will be performed to remove the mole and any abnormal skin. The sample is sent to a pathologist to determine whether the mole is cancerous or benign.

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH A SKIN CANCER SCREENING?

The doctors and staff at Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill would be happy to discuss skin cancer screening in more detail. Please give us a call at 646-661-6131 or request an appointment online for a personal consultation at our New York offices.