The Benefits of Skin Cancer Screenings

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and everyone who spends time out in the sun is at risk. One of the most effective ways to help prevent skin cancer is to visit our dermatologist for regular skin cancer screenings.

Dr. John Randall, our board-certified dermatologist, and the provider team at Randall Dermatology & Medspa offer a wide range of dermatology services, including skin cancer screenings to protect your health. He has several convenient office locations in West Lafayette, Kokomo, Frankfort, Rensselaer, Terre Haute, Westfield, Monticello, Winamac, Williamsport, and Zionsville, IN, to help you and your skin.

What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer Screenings

Skin cancer can develop in different types, depending on which layer of tissue and skin cells are involved. The most common types of skin cancer are:

• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

The first two types are easier to treat if caught in their early stages. The third type, melanoma, can be disfiguring and even deadly.

One of the major benefits of skin cancer screenings is the detection of skin cancer early. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can:

• Keep skin cancer from spreading
• Minimize skin damage
• Require less invasive treatment
• Provide a much better cosmetic outcome

You should perform weekly skin checks yourself, and look for:

• Large moles, with a diameter of 6 millimeters or greater
• Irregular moles, with ragged, uneven borders
• Asymmetrical moles, with one side different from the other
• Recurrent moles, which have grown back after the previous removal

If you notice any moles with the characteristics listed above, you should seek out the expertise of your dermatologist. Our dermatologist may recommend removing the mole or taking a small tissue sample for a biopsy to determine if the tissue is benign or cancerous.

Regular skin cancer screenings are even more important if you are at high risk of skin cancer. You are at high risk of developing skin cancer if you:

• Have fair skin and freckles
• Sunburn easily
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Spend a lot of time out in the sun

Want To Know More?

To discover more about the benefits of skin cancer screenings and how they can protect your health, call Dr. John Randall and his provider team at Randall Dermatology & Medspa in West Lafayette and Kokomo, IN. Call (765) 463-6722 to reach the office in West Lafayette and (765) 452-8602 for Kokomo. Call today.