Skin Cancer Screenings
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and it is often easier to treat when it is found early. A skin cancer screening is a careful visual exam of your skin by a dermatology professional. During the visit, your provider checks for spots, moles, growths, or changes that may need a closer look. At Rosebranch Dermatology in Friendswood, Texas, screenings are an important part of helping you protect your long-term skin health.
A skin cancer screening is a head-to-toe skin exam. Dr. Monjazeb checks for signs of common skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Many skin cancers do not hurt, itch, or cause obvious symptoms at first, so a professional exam can help find changes you may not notice on your own.
Screenings may be helpful for people of all ages. They are especially important if you have fair skin, a history of frequent sun exposure or sunburns, have used tanning beds, or have many moles or atypical moles. You may also benefit from regular screenings if you have had skin cancer before, have a family history of skin cancer, or have a weakened immune system.
A skin cancer screening is simple, non-invasive, and usually takes only a few minutes. Before the exam, your provider will ask about your medical history, your skin health, and any spots or changes you have noticed.
During the screening, Dr. Seena Monjazeb checks your skin from head to toe. Depending on your comfort level and the reason for your visit, you may be asked to change into a gown so your skin can be examined more thoroughly. Your provider may also use a dermatoscope, a small handheld tool with light and magnification, to look more closely at spots that need extra attention.
Your provider looks for new growths, moles that have changed in size, shape, or color, sores that do not heal, rough or scaly patches, pearly or translucent bumps, and dark or irregularly colored spots. These changes do not always mean skin cancer, but they may be worth evaluating closely.
Your provider may also use the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma as a guide. These include asymmetry – one half of the mole is larger or smaller than the other, irregular borders, more than one color, diameter – a spot larger than about 6 millimeters, or a mole that is evolving or changing over time.
Most screenings end after the visual exam. If your provider sees a suspicious spot, they may recommend watching it over time, taking a clinical photo for comparison, scheduling a follow-up visit, or doing a skin biopsy. A biopsy removes a small tissue sample so it can be checked under a microscope. This is the only way to know for sure whether a spot is cancerous.
Regular screenings can help find skin cancer early, when it is often easier to treat and may require less extensive care. They can also find precancerous changes, such as actinic keratoses, before they become more serious.
A screening can also give you peace of mind if a spot is harmless. Your provider can help you understand what to watch for at home and recommend how often you should return for future skin exams.
Skin cancer screenings are very safe. Because the exam is visual and non-invasive, there are very few risks from the screening itself. Some people feel mild anxiety or temporary embarrassment during a full-body exam, but your provider will take steps to help you feel comfortable.
If a biopsy is needed, your provider will explain what to expect before the procedure. Minor risks may include bleeding, infection, temporary discomfort, or a small scar.
You may want to schedule a screening if you have never had one before, notice a new or changing spot, or have risk factors such as fair skin, blistering sunburns, indoor tanning, many moles, or a family history of skin cancer. You should also have any spot checked if it bleeds, does not heal, changes in appearance, or looks different from your other moles. Skin self-checks between professional screenings can help you become familiar with your skin and notice changes sooner.
Skin cancer screenings are a simple way to help protect your health. By checking your skin carefully and finding suspicious spots early, dermatology providers can help detect skin cancer when it is most treatable. Whether you are concerned about a changing mole or simply want to be proactive, a professional screening can provide helpful information and peace of mind.
At Rosebranch Dermatology in Friendswood, Texas, our team is committed to helping patients maintain healthy skin through prevention, early detection, and expert dermatologic care. Contact us to schedule a screening today.
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Dr. Seena Monjazeb
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