SKIN CANCER TREATMENTS & MELANOMA SCREENINGS IN WEST OMAHA
One in five Americans faces developing skin cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Regular skin exams and treatments for skin cancer, along with cancer screenings, are crucial to help combat this risk. It's important to understand that anyone can get skin cancer regardless of their skin color, and frequent skin exams become more vital as one gets older to ensure early detection. If there's a history of skin cancer in your family or concerns about melanoma, our West Omaha-based specialized dermatologists provide personalized screenings and skin cancer treatment options that are tailored to individual needs.
At MOD Dermatology, we perform full-body skin exams to identify atypical moles, pre-cancers, and cancerous spots early on. These exams are especially important for those with a history of basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma, or anyone at higher risk of developing skin cancer. Our goal is to catch and address any signs of skin cancer early to prevent its progression.
WHO SHOULD SCHEDULE A FULL-BODY SKIN EXAMINATION?
Everyone is susceptible to skin cancer, but there are factors that can put you at a higher risk. If you fit into any of the following categories, it's a smart idea to schedule a full-body skin exam at our West Omaha clinic:
- If you're seeking a baseline skin examination and guidance on skin monitoring.
- If you've encountered actinic keratosis, precancerous conditions, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.
- If there's a history of melanoma in your personal health records.
- If melanoma is prevalent in your family history.
- If you have atypical nevi or unusual moles.
- If tanning beds or outdoor tanning has been part of your routine.
- If you've suffered from multiple sunburns due to sun exposure.
- If sun exposure is frequent in your daily life or job.
What to Expect During a Skin Exam
Undergoing a full-body skin cancer screening might sound intimidating because it involves having every inch of your skin examined. To ease any discomfort, a gown is provided, ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout the exam. It's crucial to check the entire body for skin cancer since it can emerge on any part, from the scalp down to the soles of the feet. Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable as possible, allowing for adjustments in coverage based on personal comfort levels. This thorough approach ensures no potential skin cancer spots are overlooked, making a skin cancer screening at our West Omaha clinic an essential step in proactive health care.
During a comprehensive skin exam, our dermatologists use a dermatoscope, resembling a combination of a flashlight and microscope, to closely inspect moles and lesions. If any spots or moles seem unusual, your dermatologist will decide whether they should be watched or removed. Skin growth biopsy tests may be performed on removed skin to check for cancer. At MOD Dermatology in West Omaha, our melanoma procedures and skin growth biopsies are designed to ensure patient comfort.
How to do a self-skin exam
Although a dermatologist-provided skin exam is usually required once a year, conducting self-skin exams on a monthly basis is crucial. This habit helps in tracking any changes in moles and spotting any concerning issues early, ensuring prompt attention to potential skin problems.
Find a brightly lit room and stand in front of a mirror. A hand-held mirror helps see places like the back of your legs, neck, and torso easily. A close friend or family member can help you look at tough spots like your scalp.
Make note of how your moles, freckles, and spots look in terms of shape, size, and color. Remembering these details or taking photos can help you spot any changes when you do future exams.
Start your exam with your face, ears, neck, chest, and belly. Next, check your underarms, all around your arms, the tops and palms of your hands, between fingers, and under nails. Don't forget to look under breasts and in skin folds.
While sitting down, next examine your legs including thigh tops, shin fronts, feet, toes, and toenails. Then use the hand-held mirror to check the soles of the feet, calf backs, and thigh backs.
Stand up again, and with the hand-held mirror inspect the buttocks, genital areas, lower back, as well as behind the neck, ears, and upper back—using a hand-held mirror in conjunction with a wall mirror makes this easier.
Lastly, go through scalp sections using a comb to move hair aside for a better view.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR DURING A SELF-SKIN EXAM?
When you do a self-skin exam, here are some things to look for and remember:
1. Monitor new or altered moles, spots, or growths for changes in size, shape, or color.
2. Be aware of wounds that persistently bleed and don’t heal within a few weeks.
3. Notice if any patches on your skin are rough, scaly, and either crusted over or bleeding.
4. Look out for any growths that resemble warts on your skin.
5. Moles that are asymmetrical, have jagged borders, have multiple colors, exceed the size of a pencil eraser, or evolve over time should be watched closely. Use the ABCDE guideline to remember these signs: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and evolving characteristics.
WHY CHOOSE MOD DERMATOLOGY WEST OMAHA FOR YOUR SKIN CANCER SCREENING?
Our board-certified dermatologists excel in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment and are backed by years of training. We use advanced tools like dermoscopes and digital photography, boosting accuracy in identifying skin issues. Our dermatologists provide flexible scheduling to accommodate your schedule, ensuring easy access to our services. Emphasizing patient-centered care, we foster a supportive atmosphere, attentively addressing your health concerns with empathy and expertise throughout your care journey.
FULL-BODY SKIN EXAMS AND SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS IN WEST OMAHA
Concerned about moles or melanomas? An annual skin cancer screening is key for early detection. For comprehensive care from a board-certified dermatologist, make sure to call 402-505-8777 and schedule your skin exam or skin cancer treatment at our West Omaha clinic today.