Skin Cancer in Scottsdale, AZ

At Desert Sage Dermatology we believe routine skin cancer screenings are essential to maintaining healthy skin.

What is a skin cancer screening?

A skin cancer screening or full body skin exam is a visual inspection of your skin by a medical professional. A skin cancer screening is a preventative measures that can be used to identify various skin cancers including: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma; as well as other benign lesions of concern. During the exam Megan Ahmed, NP-C will check each part of your body, noting any birthmarks or moles you have. If concerning lesions are identified during the exam, your Megan will discuss testing and treatment options with you.

Why are skin cancer screenings important?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer occurring within the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed each year. It also remains the most preventable and treatable form of cancer when detected early. Skin cancer can affect people of all color which is why scheduling your annual or bi-annual skin check is encouraged.

What are the three main types of skin cancer?

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer. BCC’s are locally invasive, and destructive but slow growing and have very limited (if any) tendency to metastasize and result from chronic sun exposure.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): More aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, and may also result from chronic sun exposure.

Melanoma: is the most dangerous and most well-known type of skin cancer. It makes up just one percent of skin cancer cases each year, but is responsible for roughly 80% of deaths from skin cancer.

Are there any tools to help me identify an abnormal mole?

Yes, One easy way to remember common characteristics of melanoma is to think alphabetically – the ABCDEs of melanoma. These are the characteristics a provider will look for when diagnosing and classifying melanomas.

A – is for asymmetry. Is one half of the mole unlike the other half?
B – is for irregular borders. Is the border irregularly shaped, poorly-defined, or scalloped?
C – is for color. Is the color uniform throughout the mole?
D - is for diameter. Is the mole larger than 6mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser)?
E – is for evolving. Is the mole changing color, size, shape, becoming itchy or sensitive?