With over 2 million new cases of skin cancer being diagnosed every year, it’s no surprise that getting checked is on a lot of people’s minds. Especially here in Texas, where being in the sun is just part everyday life, more and more people are thinking about having a skin cancer screening. Residents sometimes think that regular self-checks at home are enough to catch the initial warning signs of cancer, but there are some very good reasons why you should consider having your screening done by a professional dermatologist like Dr. Perri.
Things Aren’t Always What They Seem
Don’t get us wrong – self-checks of your skin at home are an excellent first line of defense against skin cancer, and there are a number of signs that you can identify as being potential threats. The problem is, skin cancer doesn’t always look like skin cancer. Consider these examples:
- Changes in mole size, shape, and color can be signs of a problem. Unfortunately, it’s common for even harmless moles to change slightly over time, sometimes making it difficult to tell if you have reason for concern.
- With some cancer types, like basal cell carcinoma, infected areas may exhibit only slight differences from your regular skin and can even be flat or just barely raised to the touch.
- The reddish scaly patches of skin common to Bowen Disease, another type of squamous cell carcinoma, are often mistaken for less serious conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, fungus, and rashes.
Another thing to consider is that, because dermatologists have extensively studied the various types and presentations of skin cancer and deal with them all the time, they are often much more able to spot warning signs before they become problematic. Particularly with melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer type that accounts for over 75% of skin cancer deaths, early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment, and having your skin cancer screening done by a dermatologist is the best way to ensure that no warning signs are missed.
Flexible Appointments to Fit Your Schedule
At Perri Dermatology, we understand that our patients lead busy lives and often need to schedule appointments when they aren’t at work. We also know that even a few days can make a big difference in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. This is why we offer extended hours to schedule appointments before or after work to meet your needs. We’re committed to working with you to ensure you won’t ever have to wait months to be seen like you might at other dermatology practices.
Need to schedule a skin cancer screening? Perri Dermatology offers extended weekday hours to accommodate your schedule. Call today for your appointment.
