Skin Cancer Screenings

Because skin cancer is so common, it’s important to schedule regular screenings to catch it early, when your condition is the most treatable. At the office of Arthur K Balin, MD, PhD, PC, in the Sally Balin Medical Center in Media, Pennsylvania, patients 20 and older are encouraged to participate in routine skin cancer screenings to identify skin cancer or other suspicious lesions. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to receive a skin cancer screening and patient-focused treatment.

Why should I be concerned about skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer, affecting all skin colors and types. It sometimes shows up as precancerous lesions, also known as actinic keratosis. If left untreated, actinic keratosis can turn into squamous cell carcinoma. 

A skin cancer screening looks for precancerous lesions as well as evidence of: 

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) : the most common type that develops due to prolonged sun exposure
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) : develops due to prolonged sun exposure over many years
• Melanoma : the most deadly type of skin cancer

Skin cancer screenings detect these cancers in their earliest stages when treatment is most effective and least invasive.

What signs suggest I should schedule skin cancer screenings?

A yearly skin cancer screening should be part of your general preventive care. But if you notice signs of skin cancer outside of your annual visit, schedule a screening with Arthur K Balin, MD, PhD, PC, immediately. 

Some signs to watch for include the following:

• Nodules, rashes, or raised bumps on your skin
• A sore or growth that doesn’t resolve
• Irregular patches of discolored skin that change shape with time
• Raised areas of skin that bleed easily

Moles can also change their appearance, indicating potential skin cancer. If you have a brown spot, beauty mark, or mole that is asymmetrical, has uneven borders, varies in color, or grows in diameter, it’s important to have it evaluated by a professional.  

What happens during skin cancer screenings?

Schedule skin cancer screenings annually (even if you don’t notice any signs of a cancerous lesion). Suspicious areas can develop in areas of your body that are hard to see, like your back and buttocks. 

If you have concerns about specific spots on your body, be sure to point them out during your visit with Arthur K Balin, MD, PhD, PC. 

At your skin cancer screening, you may need to remove your clothing and put on a gown. Arthur K Balin, MD, PhD, PC, examines every part of your body, including areas you may not have thought of, like behind your ears and between your toes. He also looks at the bottoms of your feet, your scalp, and the back of your neck.

Expect the exam to take 10-20 minutes. If Arthur K Balin, MD, PhD, PC, discovers a suspicious area, he will take a sample (biopsy) and send it to a lab to confirm your cancer diagnosis. Any necessary treatment will be scheduled for a future appointment. 

Call Arthur K Balin, MD, PhD, PC, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about skin cancer screenings and treatments.