What is a Skin Cancer Screening?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 20 percent of Americans will develop skin cancer at some point. Due to the high prevalence, regular skin cancer screenings are crucial, especially if you have a personal or family history of the disease. Early detection greatly increases treatment options and improves outcomes. Restoration Dermatology offers thorough skin cancer screenings and biopsies for any suspicious growths. Schedule your screening today at our Nashville or Franklin, TN locations.

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During a skin cancer exam, Dr. Vineet Mishra evaluates for four main types of skin cancer:

  • Actinic Keratoses (AK): Typically appearing after age 40 on sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, hands, and arms, AK presents as dry, scaly spots. These lesions are considered precancerous because they can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common skin cancer type, BCC can develop anywhere on the skin and often looks like a pink patch or a flesh-colored, pearly bump. It requires treatment to prevent invasion into nerves and bones, which can cause disfigurement.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type, SCC arises in sun-exposed areas and appears as scaly patches, red firm lumps, or sores that heal then reopen. Prompt removal is essential to prevent damage and disfigurement.
  • Melanoma: This aggressive cancer often appears as a new or changing dark spot on the skin. Dr. Mishra uses the ABCDs — Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, and Diameter — to identify melanoma. Although melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths and requires urgent treatment upon diagnosis.

Checking Your Skin for Cancer

During your exam, Dr. Mishra will thoroughly inspect your entire body for moles, birthmarks, and unusual growths. He may create a mole map to track areas of concern and monitor new spots at future visits. He will also teach you how to perform self-exams between appointments.

If Dr. Mishra identifies a suspicious lesion, he may perform a biopsy by numbing the area and shaving off a small sample. This sample is sent to a pathology lab for analysis, and you will be contacted with the results once they are available.

Early Detection is the Key

Knowing your risk factors and receiving early diagnosis are vital for successful skin cancer treatment. If you are due for a screening or have concerns about a skin growth, contact Restoration Dermatology in Nashville or Franklin, TN to schedule your exam. Whether you are visiting Dr. Mishra for cosmetic care or are at higher risk for skin cancer, we are here to help you maintain healthy skin.