When was the last time you got a screening for skin cancer? At Prizant Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA, we believe that prevention is the best approach, especially in the case of any potentially cancerous conditions. We routinely provide skin cancer screenings to our patients in the comfort of our office. If it’s been a while since your last screening, contact us today and schedule your appointment; it’s a process that could save your life.
Who Can Get Skin Cancer?
Many people think of cancer as something that only affects older age groups. The truth is that skin cancer can affect anyone, and all adults 18 years and older should get regular skin cancer screenings. Generally speaking, these screenings are not difficult or time-consuming, but they can often identify potential concerns early, before the problem becomes too difficult to treat.
Are You at Risk? Common Skin Cancer Triggers to Know
Skin cancer doesn’t happen overnight. It develops over time due to a combination of personal and environmental factors. While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain traits and habits can significantly increase your risk. Knowing what to watch for can help you take proactive steps toward prevention.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Spend a lot of time in the sun or use tanning beds
- Have fair skin, freckles, or naturally light hair or eyes
- Have a history of frequent or severe sunburns, especially during childhood
- Have a large number of moles or atypical moles
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
If one or more of these apply to you, it’s a good idea to schedule regular skin cancer screenings, even if you haven’t noticed anything unusual. Awareness and early detection are two of the most powerful tools you have to protect your health.
What Are the Dangers of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer can be deadly if it begins to spread throughout a patient’s body. In the early stages, skin cancer is highly curable. In stages 0, 1, and 2, a melanoma has a 5-year survival rate of over 98%.
If a patient waits until the melanoma reaches stage 4, this rate drops to just 22%. When looked at in this way, it is very easy to see the advantages of early detection and treatment.
How Often to Get Screenings
We advise adults to get annual screenings. If you have a family history of skin cancer, or if you have higher risk factors, it may be a good idea to get screened more frequently. There are so many advantages to preventative medicine, and like mammograms and routine physicals, these checkups can make your life much easier in the case of a serious problem. In addition to maintaining healthy skin, a screening can also provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have gotten a professional opinion.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
If this is your first skin cancer screening, or your first visit to a dermatologist, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure. At Prizant Dermatology, we’re committed to making your experience comfortable, respectful, and informative from start to finish.
Upon arrival, you’ll check in and complete a brief form regarding your medical history, current concerns, and past skin conditions or treatments. We’ll take the time to answer any questions you have before the exam begins. If you’ve noticed a mole changing shape, a spot that won’t heal, or anything new, this is the perfect time to bring it up.
What Happens During a Screening?
During the appointment, a qualified professional will check the surface of your skin for any irregularities and ask if you have any specific concerns. Sometimes a patient may observe a recent change of appearance in a new mole or may notice that a particular mole has started to change shape, itch, or bleed. In these cases, we will want to examine the area closely to ensure that it is safe.
On occasion, we may identify an atypical growth as the result of one of your screenings. Moles, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer are all candidates for closer inspection. As these problems can become serious health hazards, they often need to be dealt with quickly, but they can all be surgically removed if they are caught early enough.
After the Screening: What Happens Next?
If something unusual is found during your screening, don’t panic. Early detection is a good thing, and most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early. In many cases, we may recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of skin for closer examination under a microscope. This is a quick, in-office procedure that helps us determine whether a spot is benign, precancerous, or cancerous.
Once we have the results, we’ll contact you to discuss the next steps. If treatment is needed, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit to review your options and create a plan. Whether the solution is surgical removal or ongoing observation, we’ll guide you through it every step of the way.
The goal is always early intervention and peace of mind. By identifying and addressing any concerns promptly, we provide you with the best possible chance for a full recovery and ongoing skin health.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are several types of skin cancer, and while some are more serious than others, all benefit from early detection. The three most common forms we screen for include:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common and least aggressive type of skin cancer. It often appears as a pearly bump, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a flat, flesh-colored patch. BCC rarely spreads, but it can grow deeper into the skin and surrounding tissue if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common type and can be more aggressive than BCC. It often appears as a scaly, red patch, a wart-like growth, or an open sore. SCC can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can develop quickly. It often starts in an existing mole or appears as a new, dark, irregular spot. Because melanoma can spread to internal organs, early detection is critical. Fortunately, when caught in its early stages, it is highly treatable.
Regular screenings enable us to detect all three types and take action before any condition becomes more difficult to manage.
Know the Signs: The ABCDEs of Melanoma
When it comes to skin cancer, early detection starts with awareness. One of the most effective ways to catch melanoma early is by regularly checking your skin and knowing what changes to look for. The ABCDE rule is a simple guide you can use at home to identify warning signs that a mole or spot might need medical attention.
A – Asymmetry
One-half of the mole doesn’t match the other. A normal mole is usually symmetrical, so irregularity could be a red flag.
B – Border
Look for edges that are jagged, blurred, or notched. Healthy moles tend to have smooth, even borders.
C – Color
A variety of colors within a single spot—such as black, brown, tan, red, white, or blue—can be a sign of concern. Uniform color is generally more reassuring.
D – Diameter
If the spot is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), it’s worth getting it checked, even if it seems harmless.
E – Evolving
Any mole or spot that changes over time in size, shape, color, or texture, or starts itching or bleeding, should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
While these signs don’t always mean skin cancer, they are important cues that something may need closer examination. If you notice any of the ABCDE signs, we encourage you to schedule a screening with our office. When melanoma is found early, treatment is highly effective, and peace of mind is just a visit away.
How to Monitor Your Skin at Home
Between professional screenings, it’s a good idea to stay familiar with your own skin. Most people are the first to notice when something changes, especially when you make a habit of checking in. A monthly self-exam can help you catch early warning signs before they become more serious.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use a mirror: Stand in front of a full-length mirror and use a handheld mirror to check hard-to-see areas like your back, shoulders, and behind your ears.
- Check your entire body: Don’t forget your scalp, the soles of your feet, underarms, between your toes, and under your nails. Skin cancer can develop in places you don’t expect.
- Look for changes: Watch for new moles, spots that look different from others, or any existing mole that changes in size, color, or shape.
- Document what you see: If you notice a spot you’re unsure about, take a photo and date it. This helps track any subtle changes over time.
- Follow the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolving changes are key signs to watch for.
Self-monitoring doesn’t replace professional care, but it’s a smart way to stay in tune with your skin. If you spot anything concerning, schedule a screening with Prizant Dermatology. We’re here to help you make sense of it.
Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention Tips
While regular screenings are essential, protecting your skin daily is equally important. Whether you’re spending time outdoors or just running errands, practicing good sun habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer over time.
Here are a few simple but effective ways to stay safe in the sun:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Avoid tanning beds, which can increase your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Small daily choices can make a lasting difference. If you’re not sure which products or protective measures are best for your skin, we’re happy to offer personalized recommendations during your visit.
Insurance and Cost Information for Skin Cancer Screenings
Many patients are surprised to learn that skin cancer screenings are typically covered as a preventive service under most insurance plans. At Prizant Dermatology, we work with a wide range of insurance providers and are happy to assist you in verifying your coverage before your visit.
If you’re not currently insured, we offer transparent, self-pay options so that you can still receive the care you need. We believe that cost should never be a reason to delay a potentially life-saving screening. If you have questions about your benefits or our billing process, our staff is here to help guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Screenings
How long does a skin cancer screening take?
Most appointments are scheduled for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your skin type, history, and whether this is your first visit. If you’re coming in with a concern. such as a mole that has changed recently, we may spend a bit more time examining that specific area.
Screenings are generally quick, but they are never rushed. We take the time to answer your questions and explain what we’re seeing in real time, so you’re never left wondering.
Do I need to prepare for my screening?
No special preparation is required, but there are a few things that can make your appointment easier. Avoid applying lotion, makeup, or self-tanner on the day of your visit, since these can mask certain changes in skin texture or pigment.
If you’ve had previous biopsies or treatments, jot down the dates or bring documentation so we can compare changes over time. It also helps to note any areas you’re worried about. No concern is too small to mention.
Will I need to get undressed?
For a full skin check, yes, but only to the extent that you’re comfortable. Skin cancer can develop anywhere, including areas not typically exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, soles of the feet, or under the breasts.
We provide a gown and drape you appropriately during the exam. You’re always in control of what areas are examined. If you prefer a more focused screening, just let us know. Some patients opt for a head-to-toe check once a year and a limited check the next.
What happens if something looks suspicious?
If we see a mole or lesion that raises concern, we’ll likely recommend a biopsy during the same visit or schedule one shortly after. This involves numbing the area and removing a small sample for analysis.
What sets our approach apart is how we communicate with you. We’ll explain what the lesion looks like under clinical criteria, what we’re testing for, and how results will be delivered. Most results are available within a week, and if further treatment is needed, we coordinate everything in-house, including surgical removal when necessary.
Why Choose Prizant Dermatology for Your Skin Cancer Screening?
Dr. Tracy Prizant brings over two decades of experience in medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology to her private practice in Pittsburgh. After 15 years in group practice, she founded Prizant Dermatology to provide more personalized, community-centered care. Her approach emphasizes long-term relationships, preventative care, and early detection. Skin cancer screenings are a core part of her mission.
As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Prizant is skilled in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of skin concerns, including complex autoimmune and systemic conditions with skin manifestations. She offers both routine and urgent dermatologic care, tailoring treatment to each patient’s individual needs. Her surgical experience includes the removal of both benign and malignant growths, allowing for seamless continuity of care if a suspicious lesion is found during a screening.
Patients also benefit from access to cosmetic and regenerative services, including neurotoxins, fillers, chemical peels, and microneedling with PRP. Whether you need a yearly skin check or a comprehensive skincare plan, Prizant Dermatology combines clinical excellence with compassionate care, right here in Pittsburgh.
Don’t Delay
If you are concerned about a growth on your skin, it may be time to get a screening. In addition, if you haven’t had skin cancer screenings before, then you should certainly get in touch with Dr. Tracy Prizant and the staff at Prizant Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA. Contact our office today to schedule your screening. We have a feeling you’ll be thankful you did.
