Skin Cancer Exams in Key West and Islamorada, FL
Skin Cancer
What Is a Complete Skin Cancer Exam?
A complete skin cancer screening at Keys Dermatology refers to a full-body evaluation of your skin by our board-certified dermatologist. During the exam, we thoroughly scan your skin for signs of skin cancer, which might include looking for changes in the skin’s texture, color, mole changes, or other noticeable skin abnormalities that indicate possible skin cancer. No matter your age, race or medical history, you could be at risk for skin cancer so it’s important to have regular skin screenings for early detection and proper treatment.
Why is Skin Cancer Screening Used?
Skin cancer screenings are an effective way to identify skin abnormalities early on and improve your odds of treating cancer successfully. A full skin cancer screening checks for early signs of the following types of cancer:
- Actinic keratosis
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
In most cases, skin cancer is curable when detected early and properly treated. The key to early detection is regularly checking your skin at home as well as visiting a trusted dermatologist in your area, such as Keys Dermatology, for a yearly skin exam.
The ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer
For early detection of Melanoma, follow the ABCDEs of Skin Cancer
A
Asymmetry
Uneven shape or pattern
B
Borders
Outer edges uneven
C
Color
Dark black or multiple colors
D
Diameter
Dark black or multiple colors
E
Evolving
Changing size/shape/color
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening Today
If you are interested in a full body skin exam for skin cancer screening, visit Keys Dermatology. Our providers are experienced, board-certified skin doctors and dermatologic surgeons who has been serving the Florida Keys community for over 25 years. At Keys Dermatology, we treat a wide variety of skin problems and care for every individual patient with a personal touch. Visit our warm and welcoming office today or schedule an appointment by calling 305.664.8828 or fill out the form on this page.
What Does a Skin Cancer Exam Involve?
At Keys Dermatology, your skin cancer testing will take place in-office during a single appointment. The exam involves our dermatologists closely inspecting your skin, looking for signs of possible skin irregularities, signs of cancer, and signs of precancerous lesions on your body. If needed, we will take note of any areas of concern and spots to watch, including any potentially problematic moles, discoloration, or lesions. These notes can be referenced during future skin exams to check for changes over time, which can sometimes indicate precancerous or cancerous conditions.
If anything irregular is detected during a skin cancer screening, we may recommend further analysis using lab testing. When cancer or precancerous cells are detected, we can offer you the least invasive surgical options for skin cancer treatment, including Mohs surgery and cryosurgery.
What Are the Benefits of Visiting Keys Dermatology for a Complete Skin Cancer Exam?
There are many benefits to undergoing a routine skin exam from a board-certified dermatologist. These benefits include the following:
- Catches cancer or precancer in its earliest stages
- Improves the chances of successfully treating cancer
- Gives your doctor the ability to monitor small skin changes over time
- Gives you peace of mind knowing your skin is healthy and cancer-free
- Easy to complete during a short office visit
