Skin Cancer Screening
As the most common form of cancer, nearly five million Americans are treated for skin cancer each year. Living in the North West, it is common for people to live with the misconception that, because we don’t often get a lot of sun, we are less likely to be affected by skin cancer. However, harmful UV rays are still able to pass through the clouds and onto our often unprotected skin. Dr. Michalak and his team at Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology of Issaquah offer certified skin cancer screening to help diagnose and put an end to skin cancer early.
What are some skin cancer warning signs?
The obvious question for many patients is when should I consider a skin cancer screening? There is no such thing as getting a screening too soon, but looking out for the warning signs can help you to catch anything suspicious so that you can undergo speedy treatment. Early diagnosis of skin cancer can lead to easier and quicker treatment.
Detecting and Diagnosing Skin Cancer
Dr. Michalak recommends everyone should perform regular head-to-toe self-examinations about once a month. Several patients choose to have regular examination sessions with their board-certified dermatologists in order to have areas checked that they otherwise cannot see on their own. You should expect these skin cancer examinations to take no longer than 10 minutes but can lead to quick and effective treatment of skin cancer. If you notice any new spots or changing lesions, it is important to contact Dr. Michalak and schedule a skin cancer screening.
When performing a self-examination, it is important to be completely thorough and take note of anything unusual or any spots that have changed in size or appearance. Check all areas of the body, including the scalp, armpits, and beneath the feet. Using a small handheld mirror can help to see more difficult areas such as the back or buttocks.
During a skin cancer screening with Dr. Michalak, he will carefully check your body for any unusual areas. He can also check existing moles, spots, and birth marks to detect any signs of skin cancer. These skin cancer screenings have helped to detect hundreds of thousands of suspicious lesions including melanomas. A skin cancer screening with Dr. Michalak and our team of certified dermatologists can help make the difference in stopping skin cancer in its tracks.
For more information on skin cancer or melanoma, please visit our other pages: