FULL-BODY SKIN EXAMS & SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS IN WEST OMAHA

Some of our dermatology clinic’s commonly requested appointments are for skin exams, skin cancer treatment, and cancer screenings. Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology, about 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. This implies that anyone, regardless of their skin color, is susceptible to this disease. As individuals age, the importance of regular skin exams increases to aid early detection of skin cancer. If you have a family history of skin cancer or potential signs of melanoma, our dermatologists located near West Omaha are prepared to provide personalized cancer screenings and treatments.

At MOD Dermatology, we provide thorough full-body skin exams to our West Omaha patients. Regular skin exams are especially important for patients with multiple or atypical moles, pre-cancers, and potential cancerous spots. The same applies to those with basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer and melanoma, as these conditions can increase the risk of skin cancer. Our office provides these vital screenings that aid in early detection and treatment, thereby ensuring optimal skin health.

A doctor analyzing an older patient's hand for any abnormalities.

WHO SHOULD SCHEDULE A FULL-BODY SKIN EXAMINATION?

Skin cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors may put some people at a higher risk. Consider a full-body skin examination at our office near West Omaha if any of the following describe you: 

  • If you need a baseline skin examination and guidance on skin cancer signs
  • If you've had actinic keratosis (precancerous spots), basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma 
  • If you've battled melanoma before
  • If your family has a history of melanoma
  • If you have atypical nevi or unusual moles
  • If you've used tanning beds or sunbathed outdoors a lot 
  • If you've had multiple sunburns 
  • If your job involves frequent sun exposure or you work outdoors

What to Expect During a Skin Exam

Going through a full-body skin cancer screening can be nerve-wracking for people, particularly if they're not sure what's going to happen. Our aim is to make the process as relaxing as possible by supplying a gown and ensuring that modesty is maintained throughout the exam. Skin cancer can grow anywhere on the body, from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, which is why this kind of screening is so crucial. While Dr. Ortleb, Dr. Rensch, Dr. Kinsley, and Physician Assistants Amy K. Price, Amanda Hotovy, Mary Otteman, and Jennifer Lansmen prefer to examine all skin areas, you can choose to disrobe to whatever extent feels most comfortable.

During a thorough skin exam, our dermatologists employ a tool called a dermatoscope, resembling a combination of a flashlight and microscope, to inspect moles and lesions in greater detail. If any questionable spots or moles are identified, a decision will be made about whether they require close observation or removal. Biopsies might be conducted on the skin and sent for testing to confirm whether they are benign or malignant. The melanoma and skin growth biopsy procedures at MOD Dermatology near West Omaha are designed to ensure maximum comfort for our patients.

How to do a self-skin exam

Even though a dermatologist-provided skin exam might only be necessary once a year, it's crucial to make monthly self-skin exams a routine. Regularly conducting these checks can assist in monitoring any changes in moles and aid in identifying potential areas of concern at an early stage.

Here’s how to perform a skin exam on yourself:

Step One

Choose a room with plenty of light and position yourself before a mirror. A small, hand-held mirror can aid in viewing areas like the legs, neck, and torso. A trusted friend or family member can assist in inspecting tricky spots such as the scalp.

Step Two

Observe the characteristics of moles, freckles, and other spots. Photographing their shape, size, and color will provide a reference for any changes that might occur later.

Step Three

Begin the self-examination with your face, ears, neck, chest, and stomach. Proceed to check underarms, arms front and back, the top of the hands and palms along with spaces between fingers and under fingernails. Do not overlook areas under breasts or skin folds.

Step Four

Sitting down, begin your inspection of legs, including the top of the thighs, shins, and feet, as well as spaces between toes. A hand-held mirror comes in handy for scrutinizing the bottoms of feet as well as the backs of thighs and calves.

Step Five

Stand up and use the hand mirror to examine your buttocks, genital areas, and lower back. The backside of your neck, ears, and upper back require attention too; using a hand-held mirror in conjunction with a larger wall mirror will make this easier.

Step Six

Lastly, inspect the scalp using a small comb to part hair in sections for a thorough examination.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR DURING A SELF-SKIN EXAM?

When you do your self-skin exam, these are some things you should look for and remember:

1. It's important to look out for any moles, spots, or growths that have newly shown up or have changed in their size, shape, or color since the last time a doctor checked.

   

2. If there's a cut or scrape that keeps bleeding and doesn't start to get better even after two or three weeks, it could be a sign of something that is not quite right.

3. A patch of skin that's rough, scaly, or red and becomes crusty or starts bleeding. 

4. Moles that aren't the same on both sides, have edges that aren't smooth and even, show more than one color, are bigger across than a pencil eraser, or change over time in size, shape, color, or other ways need to be watched closely as well. A good way to remember these warning signs is by using "ABCDE," which stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving.

WHY CHOOSE MOD DERMATOLOGY WEST OMAHA FOR YOUR SKIN CANCER SCREENING?

Our board-certified dermatologists provide expert skin cancer diagnosis and treatment in the West Omaha area. Their highly specialized skills ensure patients receive the best possible care, particularly when addressing serious conditions like skin cancer.

Using advanced tools such as dermoscopes and digital photography increases diagnostic accuracy. Dermoscopes allow detailed skin examination, whereas digital photography tracks changes over time, facilitating early skin cancer detection.

We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate our patients' varying schedules, ensuring timely access to necessary melanoma and skin cancer screenings and treatments near West Omaha. 

Providing patient-centered care involves understanding patient anxieties and fostering a supportive environment. This approach cultivates trust between our patients and healthcare providers, enhancing overall health outcomes.

Full-Body Skin Exams and Skin Cancer Screenings Near West Omaha

If you're worried about moles or melanoma, it's important to have an annual skin cancer screening. Call 402-505-8777 to book your appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. We offer in-depth guidance and checks for everything from moles to melanoma near West Omaha.