Skin Cancer Screening in Ann Arbor, MI
Every day in America, almost 10,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer, making it more common than all other cancers combined. But while skin cancer is frighteningly prevalent, it is generally curable if you catch it quickly—the 5-year survival rate for melanomas detected in the early stages is 99%. That’s why self-exams and regular screenings with your doctor are so important. If you have a suspicious spot, don’t hesitate to call the board-certified skin cancer experts at Ganger Dermatology!
What to Expect from a Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer screenings are simple and straightforward appointments that could very well save your life. Your dermatologist will thoroughly examine all of your skin—head to toe. We use both our expertise and an advanced tool called a dermatoscope to identify any moles, freckles, or other lesions that require further testing. We pride ourselves on our meticulous exams that ensure no concerning spots are left undocumented.
We recommend that everyone perform a self-examination of their own skin at home once per month, and visit a dermatologist for regular skin cancer screenings. However, if you notice any suspicious spots, have any skin cancer risk factors, or have a family history of skin cancer, make an appointment right away! We’ll help put your mind at ease and keep an eye on any future developments.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
Skin Cancer Screening FAQs
Different types of skin cancer appear differently on the skin—they can either be firm, red lumps or flat, scaly patches. They can develop anywhere on the body, though they are most often found where your skin is most exposed to sunlight: your face, hands, shoulders, back, upper chest, and even your ears. The only way to be certain that a lesion is skin cancer is to have it biopsied and tested by a professional.
It’s important to note any changes in your skin and have them screened and documented by a board-certified skin cancer expert!
The American Cancer Society recommends that you get a skin cancer screening every 3 years if you’re between the ages of 20 and 40, and once per year if you’re over 40. However, if you have certain risk factors, you may want to come in more often. These risk factors include:
- Very fair skin
- Skin that burns or freckles easily
- History of sunburns or extensive sun exposure
- History of tanning bed use
- Family history or personal history of skin cancer
- Skin with a large number of moles
The vast majority of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV rays, whether in the form of direct sunlight or the use of indoor tanning beds. Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop skin cancer, but anyone can reduce their risk by making sun protection a habit in their daily lives. Regardless of your age or skin color, you should always wear sunscreen, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, wear protective clothing, and never, under any circumstances, use sun lamps or tanning beds.
Thorough Skin Cancer Screenings at Ganger Dermatology
With several board-certified dermatologists who are experts in skin cancer on our team, we’re your trusted source for the most meticulous skin cancer screenings available. Whether you’re visiting us for a regular check-up or to have a suspicious spot looked at, we’ll do everything in our power to document changes and schedule any necessary biopsies at your convenience.
Call the professional team at Ganger Derm for any new or changing lesions, moles, or spots on your skin. Proudly serving patients in Ann Arbor, Wixom, and Plymouth, MI, we’re your leading skin care central for total skin health, cancer prevention, and peace of mind. Schedule your appointment today to get top-notch care from Michigan’s skin cancer experts.
