What is it?

A skin and mole check entails a thorough medical evaluation conducted by a dermatologist to assess your skin's health and detect any irregularities, including suspicious moles or lesions that may indicate skin cancer or other dermatological issues.

We highly recommend annual comprehensive skin examinations as part of a proactive approach to preserving skin health, particularly for individuals at elevated risk of skin cancer due to factors such as the presence of moles, irregular or atypical moles, a family history of skin cancer, prolonged sun exposure without proper protection or a compromised immune system.

During the examination, we focus on identifying the three most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

• Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are categorized as "keratinocyte carcinomas," representing non-melanoma skin cancers originating in the keratinocytes, the predominant type of skin cells in the epidermis, also known as the outermost layer of the skin.
• Melanoma, the most perilous form of skin cancer, originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. Although less prevalent than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma poses a greater threat as it can metastasize to other organs if not promptly treated. However, early detection and intervention typically lead to successful treatment and cure.

If you have not undergone an annual skin examination or notice any unusual changes on your skin, such as new or evolving skin lesions, discomfort, or persistent wounds, please contact our practice. With extensive experience and board-certified dermatologists, we are ready to provide you with expert care.

What to expect

During your visit, we'll conduct a thorough assessment covering every inch of your body, including examination of your scalp and spaces between your fingers and toes. We'll also address any specific concerns you may have and closely examine those areas. Our focus is on identifying any anomalies such as unusual spots, moles, patches, or lesions exhibiting irregular features like asymmetrical borders, multiple colors, or exceeding six millimeters in diameter (about a quarter of an inch). If warranted, we may utilize a magnification tool for closer inspection.

Should we encounter any suspicious areas, we may recommend a skin biopsy, a quick procedure involving the removal of a small skin sample for analysis. Typically, the biopsy site heals within one to two weeks, and we'll keep you informed about the anticipated timeline for receiving the results, understanding the apprehension this may cause. In the event that the biopsy confirms a cancer diagnosis, we'll coordinate additional treatment modalities, such as surgical excision of the affected area, and may prescribe medications. For severe cases, we may refer you to an oncologist for specialized care.

If you have not scheduled an annual full body skin exam, call one of our offices located in Dublin, Columbus, Canal Winchester, Urbana, Circleville, Washington Courthouse, Grove City and Marysville, Ohio, to schedule now. Our team is committed to your well-being and here to support you every step of the way.