Skin Cancer Screening in North Scottsdale, AZ
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. However, it is also one of the most preventable and easily treated. Early detection and treatment lead to high survival rates. Learning the early signs and symptoms will improve your chances of a positive outcome.
We understand receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming and scary. At Valley Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, our main goal is to make sure you have all of the information and education you need to make well-informed decisions. Dr. Kyle Sanniec, a highly respected, board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience, has brought on top dermatology providers to offer skin cancer screenings and treatments at his state-of-the-art offices in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Glendale, AZ.
Skin cancer screenings and treatments are vital. Contact us at (623) 937-8969 or complete our online form to request your consultation today.
What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer?
Early detection of cancers, like melanoma, significantly improves the chances of successful treatment by preventing it from spreading or metastasizing. There are numerous warning signs – consult your dermatologist if you notice any of these.
Moles
If you have moles, use the ABCDE acronym to remember what to look for when doing self-screenings.
- Asymmetry: The mole is elongated instead of being round or oval. You should be able to visually fold your mole in half and have it look even on both sides.
- Border: Poorly defined or irregular with no distinct boundary between the edge of the mole and the rest of your skin.
- Color: Color or shade variations within different areas of the mole and/or pinpoint spots.
- Diameter: Melanomas typically exceed the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: Changes in the mole’s size, shape, or color.
Itchy, Red Skin Patches
Many people get rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, contact dermatitis, or sensitive skin. While a rash does not necessarily indicate cancer, basal cell carcinomas can present as a persistent, raised, reddish patch of skin. You may also observe:
- Flat, yellow patches
- Shiny, pearly bumps that may exhibit a multicolored appearance, including shades of pink, brown, blue, or black
- Pink growths with raised edges
- Open sores that do not heal
Lumps or Bumps
Merkel cell carcinoma, another form of skin cancer, can occur anywhere on your body; however, it often presents as firm, pink, red, or purple nodules on the skin. These tumors are typically not painful, but they grow rapidly and can develop into ulcers or sores, which may progress into one of the more dangerous forms of skin cancer.
Lesions
Lesions can manifest in various forms, such as flat, slightly raised, or large enough to create a bump. They can be red, purple, or brown. Lesions on your legs or face may indicate a medical condition, including Kaposi sarcoma. These lesions initially appear as spots on the skin and are rarely uncomfortable or itchy, but don’t let that delay you from seeking medical evaluation.
Unexpected Changes
Small, unexpected changes may seem insignificant, but they could indicate early warnings. Since many skin cancers aren’t painful, don’t delay annual skin checks that monitor for:
- New growths
- Texture changes
- Discoloration
- Swelling
Types of Skin Cancer
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer that usually looks like a small bump, nodule, or red patch. Fair-skinned people frequently experience this type of carcinoma; it is rare in those with darker skin. Basal cell carcinomas are typically slow-growing, taking many months or years to reach a diameter of half an inch. If left untreated, the cancer may bleed, crust over, heal, and repeat this cycle. It can extend beneath the skin to the bone and nerves, causing localized damage. However, it rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, predominantly occurring in fairer-skinned patients. This cancer typically appears on areas like the rim of the ear, face, lips, and mouth, presenting as a bump or a red, scaly patch. SCC can grow into sizable masses and become invasive. Squamous cell carcinoma has a higher likelihood of metastasizing than basal cell carcinoma.
The cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can exceed 95% with early detection and appropriate treatment.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer. Annually, about 8,000 Americans die from it, and over 108,000 receive a diagnosis. It starts in melanocytes, which produce melanin and can make the cancer appear tan, brown, black, red, or white. Early detection is crucial, since melanoma can spread. Melanoma may suddenly appear or start near a mole, so see your doctor if you notice a change. Early-stage melanoma is removable and curable.
Malignant melanoma symptoms:
- Changes in a mole’s appearance, color, or symmetry
- New sensations like itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole
- Pigment spreading from a mole into surrounding skin
- Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or a new bump in a mole
Skin Cancer Treatments
Doctors have several options if a skin biopsy indicates cancer, depending on its type, location, and your needs.
- Surgical excision
- Electrodesiccation and curettage, which involves scraping and burning early-stage skin cancer with a curette and electrocautery
- Topical medications for some types of early skin cancers
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Cryotherapy for pre-skin cancer lesions
When Should You Get a Skin Cancer Screening?
Annual skin examinations are critical to ensuring your overall health and early detection of skin cancer. Our expert dermatologists at Valley Dermatology and Plastic Surgery recommend undergoing a yearly exam regardless of your age, beginning in childhood. This allows for a baseline assessment and for early detection in the future. If you have a recent history of skin cancer, we recommend skin exams every 6 months for the first few years following a skin cancer diagnosis.
During your skin cancer screening, our experts will thoroughly examine your skin, covering all areas from head to toe, front and back, including your scalp and the soles of your feet. A special tool called a dermatoscope is often used. This helps us more thoroughly evaluate suspicious or abnormal lesions. If we detect abnormalities, we’ll quickly assess them and determine the need for additional testing or treatment.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening at Valley Dermatology
At Valley Dermatology, our team of experienced dermatology providers takes a patient-centered, detail-oriented approach to skin health and aesthetics. Under the direction of Dr. Kyle Sanniec, a board-certified plastic surgeon, we offer trusted guidance and safe, effective treatments tailored to your individual needs. With years of combined expertise and a commitment to the latest advancements in dermatologic care, our providers deliver high-quality, personalized care in a welcoming, comfortable setting. At convenient locations in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Glendale, you’ll receive personalized care tailored to your needs.
Schedule your consultation or call (623) 937-8969 today to restore your skin’s health.
