Full Body Skin Exam
At Jerdan Dermatology, we pride ourselves in board certified dermatologist led skin care screenings.
A proper skin cancer screening ensures that all skin, hair, nails and mucosa head to toe are examined. We ask that you be prepared to remove your clothing and put on a gown, however respect any limitations with this request. We ask that you be prepared to have your scalp, behind your ears, fingers, buttocks and feet examined, and we ask that all nail polish be removed. The dermatologist may use a specialized magnifying glass to look at certain areas more closely.
What determines a higher risk for skin cancer?
Frequent exposure to sunlight and tanning beds
Pale skin that may burn or freckle easier
Blonde or red hair
Light colored eyes
History of actinic keratoses
Radiation therapy for cancer
Weakened immune system
Arsenic exposure
History of blistering sunburns
Personal or family history of melanoma, Gorlin syndrome or Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Many moles
What if there is an area of concern noted by the dermatologist?
If there is an area of concern, the dermatologist may discuss treatment options. This may mean a biopsy that will be sent to an outside pathology lab. There the pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to look for unusual cells where pathologist will then provide a diagnosis.
Why do a skin cancer screening?
Skin cancer screenings are just that - a screening. We ensure that your skin is healthy and try to offer recommendations to care for your skin.
The most common types of skin cancer found are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. These are typically from cumulative sun damage even before age 18! There are also “pre-skin cancers” that we screen for called actinic keratoses that, when caught early, can help prevent progression to skin cancer.
Melanoma is a less common type of skin cancer but more serious. It may be sun induced or it may be genetic. It may be prominent or hidden in areas where the sun does not shine. Early detection is key to survival. That is why a baseline skin cancer screening is important, to learn what lesions on the skin may need monitoring.
