According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime. The high prevalence of skin cancer makes regular screenings crucial, especially if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer. Early detection is essential to give you more treatment options and better outcomes. As well as many advanced skin cancer treatments, dermatologist Rachel Epstein, D.O. offers comprehensive skin cancer screenings and biopsies of abnormal areas. During this time, she will assess the overall health of your skin, including moles (dysplastic nevi) and other skin lesions to determine their state (benign, precancerous, or cancerous). In addition, she will create a mole map to best track any changes. To schedule a skin cancer screening, contact Clear Skin Dermatology in Clearwater, FL.

Dr. Epstein looks for four types of skin cancers during screenings:

Men and women of all ages are at risk for skin cancer. While people with fairer complexions are at greater risk, all skin tones and types could get skin cancer. Dr. Epstein recommends every patient perform regular self-exams of their skin so they know what is normal and when a spot changes. You should schedule a skin exam anytime you are concerned that a spot on your skin has changed, itches, or bleeds. If you or a close relative have been diagnosed with skin cancer, then you should make appointments for annual skin exams.

During your skin exam, Dr. Epstein will check your whole body for birthmarks, moles, and any abnormal areas. She can produce a map of spots to mark areas of concern and to quickly identify new spots at future checks. Dr. Epstein can show you how to perform a self-exam between your appointments. In some cases, she may recommend a biopsy of a suspicious area. She will numb the skin, then shave a small sample. The biopsy will be sent to a pathology lab for analysis. When Dr. Epstein receives your pathology report, you will be contacted with the results.

After your exam, Dr. Epstein will talk to you about your results and any recommended actions. She will also let you know when you should return for your next skin cancer screening. If you need a biopsy of an abnormal area, there is a chance of scarring. Dr. Epstein does her best to minimize the appearance of scarring and take the smallest skin sample possible during the biopsy. Dr. Epstein will discuss the best way to care for your skin after the biopsy to help your skin heal correctly. With good care, any scarring should be flat and fade so it is barely visible.