Skin cancer can often begin with a growth, a changing mole, or a spot that won’t heal. At Waterside Dermatology in Bradenton, our doctors provide thorough skin cancer screenings focused on early detection, giving you attentive, evidence-based care and peace of mind.
Catch Skin Cancer at the Earliest Stage Possible
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells begin growing uncontrollably, most often as a result of DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It can also take several forms, each behaving differently and requiring different approaches to care. Recognizing suspicious skin changes and having them evaluated at the earliest possible stage can dramatically improve your prognosis.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It often develops on sun-exposed areas and may appear as a pearly bump, pink patch, or sore that repeatedly heals and returns. BCC usually grows slowly but requires appropriate treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma commonly develops in areas with significant sun exposure. It may look like a firm red bump, a scaly patch, a crusted growth, or a sore that won’t heal. SCC can grow deeper and sometimes spread, making timely diagnosis and treatment important.
Melanoma
Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It may appear as a new spot or a changing mole with unusual color, shape, or borders. Because melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, early detection is especially important.
Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer:
- A new or unusual skin growth
- A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
- Asymmetrical moles or spots
- Irregular or poorly defined borders
- Multiple colors within one spot
- A sore that does not heal
- A spot that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or scabs
- A pearly or shiny bump
- A firm red or pink growth
- A rough or scaly patch
- A spot that looks different from others on your skin
Skin Cancer Screening
A skin cancer screening is a careful evaluation of your skin for new, changing, or suspicious areas. Your doctor will consider your risk factors and any spots you’re concerned about. The goal is to recognize potential skin cancers as early as possible and determine whether anything requires a closer look.
Skin Examination
Your doctor carefully examines your skin for moles, growths, sores, and other areas that could indicate skin cancer. They look for changes in color, shape, size, texture, and other concerning features. Be sure to point out anything you’ve recently noticed, including spots that have changed, bleed, itch, hurt, or simply look different from the rest.
Biopsy of Suspicious Areas
If your doctor finds an area that looks suspicious, they may recommend a skin biopsy. This involves removing a small sample (or sometimes the entire lesion) so it can be examined under a microscope. A biopsy can determine whether abnormal cells are present and, if skin cancer is found, help identify the specific type and guide appropriate treatment decisions.
Discussion of Findings and Next Steps
After your examination, your doctor will explain what they found and answer your questions. If nothing concerning is identified, they may discuss skin checks and sun protection based on your individual risk. If an area requires a biopsy, your doctor will explain the process and discuss the results and appropriate next steps once they become available.
FAQs
How Often Should I Have a Skin Cancer Screening?
How often you need a screening depends on your risk factors. Your doctor may consider your particular history of sun exposure, previous skin cancers, family history, number of moles, and other factors when recommending an appropriate schedule for professional skin examinations.
Should I Get Screened if I Don’t Have Any Suspicious Spots?
You may still benefit from screening even when nothing looks concerning to you, particularly if you have risk factors for skin cancer. A dermatologist can also examine areas that are difficult for you to see and recognize changes that may not seem unusual at first glance.
How Can I Check My Skin Between Professional Screenings?
Regular self-examinations can help you become familiar with what is normal for your skin. Look for new growths, changing moles, sores that don’t heal, or spots that look different from the others. Areas that are difficult to see may require help or a mirror.
Make Early Detection Part of Your Care
Whether you’ve noticed a changing spot or simply want to stay proactive about your skin health, a screening can give you valuable answers. Call Waterside Dermatology to schedule your skin cancer screening in Bradenton, FL, and give your skin the careful attention it deserves.
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