Annual Skin Cancer Screenings

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, and when left untreated, it can sometimes be life-threatening. At Kessel Dermatology, servicing the Hamilton Square, Trenton, and Mercer County areas in New Jersey, the phenomenal team of board-certified and licensed dermatology specialists offers annual skin cancer screenings to check for potential cancer and treat it as needed. Call the office to schedule skin cancer screenings, or book an appointment online today. 

What are annual skin cancer screenings?

Skin cancer screenings available at Kessel Dermatology involve a medical evaluation of your skin by a board-certified dermatologist. During the screening, your provider looks for moles and other unusual lesions that could be signs of cancer.

Why might I need annual skin cancer screenings?

The common signs of skin cancer include:

• Lesions that change in appearance
• New or unusual-looking lesions
• Moles containing more than one color
• Lesions with irregular borders
• Lesions that itch, burn, bleed, or are painful
• Dark lesions
• Firm red nodules
• Scaly, crusted, flat lesions
• Waxy or pearly bumps

Risk factors for skin cancer include a family and/or personal history of skin cancer, having a lot of moles, having fair skin, and unprotected sun exposure. 

Protecting your skin from the sun using protective clothing or sunscreen is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of developing skin cancer. 

What should I expect during annual skin cancer screenings?

During skin cancer screening, your dermatologist reviews your medical history, lifestyle habits, and potential symptoms. They ask if you have noticed any new, unusual, or changing lesions on your skin.

Then, they examine your skin to look for signs of cancer. If your provider finds suspicious tissues, they may remove them or take a skin sample (biopsy) and send it to a lab for analysis. 

What happens if I have skin cancer?

If you have skin cancer, you may need further treatment. Your dermatologist can remove all cancerous tissues, layer by layer, during a procedure called Mohs surgery. After removing each layer, they examine the tissues using a microscope to ensure all your cancer is gone.

If cancer has spread to other areas of your body, you might need additional surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other forms of cancer treatment.

It’s important to regularly check your skin at home and see your dermatologist at the first sign of abnormal tissue changes. The earlier you seek treatment for skin cancer, the easier it is to eliminate.

To schedule annual skin cancer screenings at Kessel Dermatology, call the office or use the online booking tool today.