Skin Cancer Screening in Lehi, Utah
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it is important to be proactive in maintaining its health. Skin cancer is the most common cancer, but it is also one of the most treatable when detected early. That's where you come in! Regular self-checks and knowledge of suspicious signs can empower you to identify potential issues and seek timely medical attention.
How To Detect Skin Cancer
Asymmetry
Is the mole or growth uneven? Do the four quadrants match?
Border
Are the edges irregular, ragged, or blurred? Do they blend into the surrounding skin?
Color
Is the mole or growth uniform in color, or does it have multiple shades of brown, black, tan, white, red, gray, or blue?
Diameter
Is the mole or growth larger than 1/4 inch (the size of a pencil eraser)?
Evolving
Has the mole or growth changed in size, shape, texture, or color over time?
Common Signs of Skin Cancer
New spots or moles
Look for spots or moles that look different from your other marks, this is known as the “Ugly Duckling” rule.
Changes in texture or sensation
Notice any itching, tenderness, pain, oozing, bleeding, or scaliness on your skin.
Non-healing sores
If a sore doesn't heal within a few weeks, it's crucial to get it checked.
Swelling, redness, or color spread
Be aware of any new swelling, redness, or color changes beyond the border of a mole.
Early Detection Saves Lives
While most skin changes are not cancerous, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you notice any unusual signs on your skin, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with our dermatology team. We have the expertise and technology to accurately diagnose skin conditions and provide prompt, effective treatment.
Factors That Increase Your Risk For Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. However, certain factors can increase your risk:
- Fair skin that burns and freckles easily
- Light-colored hair and eyes
- A large number of moles or history of abnormal moles
- Extensive exposure to sunlight or tanning beds
- History of blistering sunburns
- Family history of skin cancer
- Exposure to radiation or chemicals
- Weakened immune system
- Exposure to arsenic
- Previous skin cancer diagnosis
By understanding your risk factors and regularly checking your skin, you can play an active role in safeguarding your health.
Empowering Your Skin Journey
At our dermatology clinic, we believe in partnership. We provide personalized care, educational resources, and cutting-edge treatments to help you achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful skin.
What happens during a skin cancer screening?
Your Skin will be examined and screened for skin cancers
We will usually start by looking at any areas of concerns that you have.
We will then do an overall scan looking for anything concerning to the dermatologist.
You do not have to have any concerns to have a skin check. It is our job to identify concerning lesions.
If necessary, any skin biopsies or same day procedures will be performed.
Skin biopsies, are when we take a small piece of any concerning lesion and send it to a pathologist to examine and diagnose
We have many different in-office procedures that can be performed to meet the needs of our patients.
Not all skin checks will have procedures. In fact, most do not.
Peace of mind & education are provided.
Most of the common skin spots identified during a skin exam are not concerning. We understand that the piece of mind provided by knowing a spot is not cancerous is just as important as identifying skin cancers.
Our providers and expert medical staff have been trained in patient education and have been equipped with leading edge patient education.
Schedule your skin cancer screening today!
Schedule a skin cancer screening with our expert dermatology providers.
Download our free guide to skin self-exams.
Connect with us on social media for informative skin care tips and updates.
Remember, your skin tells a story. Be its author, and let us help you write a healthy, vibrant tale.
Skin Cancer Screening FAQ
At what age should I start getting skin checks?
It's recommended to start getting regular skin checks in your early 20s.
This is especially important if you have a family history of skin cancer or if you have fair skin, freckles, or a history of excessive sun exposure.
The initial exam is the most important. At your first skin exam, your dermatologist can identify skin check frequency you should consider based on your initial screening, age, and risk factors.
However, it's never too late to start. If you're older and haven't had regular skin checks, it's crucial to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Early detection of skin cancer is key to successful treatment and prevention of complications.
