Dr. Perri’s interest in dermatology began when an early diagnosis of Melanoma saved his father’s life. Since then, Dr. Perri has helped thousands of patients perform skin cancer screenings, and treat skin cancers including Melanoma, Basal Cell, and Squamous Cell. Whether you have risk factors for skin cancer such as a family history of skin cancer or not, Dr. Perri recommends all residents perform regular skin checks and come in annually for a skin cancer screening.
How Do I Perform a Regular Skin Check?
You know your body best. That’s why it’s important that you are regularly checking your skin for any troublesome changes that may indicate you have skin cancer. Changes in the shapes, sizes, and colors of moles, for example, are all situations that should be reported to your dermatologist immediately.
What Happens During an Annual Skin Cancer Screening?
A skin cancer screening is a visual inspection of your skin by a dermatologist. During a skin cancer screening, you will disrobe so that all of your skin can be inspected, from head to toe. Moles may be and inspected for color, diameter, shape, size and border type.
If your dermatologist suspects you have any cancerous cells, he will perform a biopsy for you. During a biopsy, the mole will be removed and then tested for cancer. If it is found to be benign, no further treatment will be taken. However, if the skin sample is found to be cancerous, a full treatment plan will be prepared for you.
During a skin cancer screening, your dermatologist will also discuss with you the importance of the daily use of sunscreen, and wearing protective garments to block your skin from harmful UVA and UVB sunrays.
How Effective Are Skin Cancer Screenings?
When it comes to finding skin cancer, early detection is key. Studies show that 1 in 5 individuals will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some time in their life, which is why Dr. Perri urges his patients to come in for annual skin cancer screenings. The sooner that skin cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated and the less likely it is to spread. Skin cancer has a low mortality rate, but only when it is discovered early. Protect yourself today by coming into our offices for a skin cancer screening.
What if Dr. Perri Finds Skin Cancer? How is it Treated?
Don’t let the fear of a skin cancer diagnosis stop you from coming in for an annual skin cancer screening. With the early detection of skin cancer, many skin cancers can be treated with outpatient procedures under local anesthesia.
I Need a Skin Cancer Screening. What Do I Do Next?
If you need to schedule a skin cancer screening with Dr. Perri, call his offices today!
