If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it 1,000 times. Get an annual skin cancer screening! It’s so very important and so very easy. Dr. Perri constantly stresses the importance of early detection to his patients. After all, though skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, it is also the most curable if caught and treated early.
Many men and women have never had a skin cancer screening and wonder what they should expect. Well, to ease your worries, we’re going to go over the process here in this blog. You’ll be ready and willing to stop by and see Dr. Perri when you’re done reading!
First, Who Should Get Skin Cancer Screening?
Clearly, everyone should get a skin cancer screening! However, there are a few things that can increase one’s chance of getting this common cancer, such as:
- Genetics – Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest risk factors of skin cancer. If any of your immediate relatives have had skin cancer, you are at an increased risk. Be sure to discuss this history with Dr. Perri to find out how often you should visit him for a skin cancer screening.
- Years of Excessive Sun Exposure – Many of us grew up in a time when the world was unaware of how damaging the sun’s rays can be. If you were outside most of your childhood, basking in the hot sun, you could be at an increased risk for skin cancer. Again, be sure to tell Dr. Perri about your sun exposure and find out if you’ll need to visit his office more frequently for skin cancer screenings.
- Fair skin – It’s sad but true. Men and women who have light hair, light eyes, and fair skin are at an increased risk of getting skin cancer. Be sure to visit Dr. Perri for a skin cancer screening once a year.
What to Expect from a Skin Cancer Screening?
When you visit Dr. Perri for a skin cancer screening, he will check every inch of your skin, beginning at the top of your head and ending at your toes. This may come as a surprise, but skin cancer isn’t too selective on where it likes to show up. And while many residents think it only occurs on the areas of the body that are more exposed to the sun, the truth is, skin cancer can pop up anywhere.
If Dr. Perri doesn’t see anything concerning during your exam, you’ll be done! That’s it! However, if he does see a suspicious mole or some other characteristic that concerns him, he may choose to do a mole removal or skin biopsy during your skin cancer screening.
A biopsy with Dr. Perri is virtually painless. To begin, he will first numb the area to be treated with a local anesthetic. Dr. Perri will then remove the mole by shaving it off or cutting it out with a scalpel. Once this is completed, he will send it to a pathologist for further examination to find out if it is cancerous.
After he has completed your biopsy, he will place a bandage over the area, and you’ll be on your way. He or a member of his team will then call you with the results of your test within 1-2 weeks.
Get Started With Dr. Perri Today!
Our friendly and dedicated team enjoys helping new patients at Perri Dermatology. When you call, feel free to let us know of any questions or concerns you have.
If you’ve noticed any changes to your skin, new moles, new lesions, discolored patches, or if you just want Dr. Perri to perform your annual skin cancer screening, call his office today at (281) 943-2749 to schedule your appointment.
