What Happens If Your Skin Cancer Screening Shows Something Suspicious?

With skin cancer affecting more than four million Americans each year, it's a growing concern for people across the country. As the most common form of cancer, regular skin cancer screenings are crucial to catching potentially dangerous lesions before they become life-threatening. While some skin abnormalities are benign, others can evolve into more serious forms of cancer. At Keystone Dermatology Partners, we provide expert skin cancer screenings and follow-up care, ensuring you maintain peace of mind and the best possible outcome.

If your recent skin cancer screening reveals something suspicious, the first step is to consult with a trusted dermatologist. At Keystone Dermatology Partners, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, including cancers like:

Melanoma: The most dangerous type of skin cancer, which can spread rapidly if left untreated.

Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, often caused by sun exposure but typically less aggressive.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Another common form of skin cancer that can become more dangerous if not addressed early.

Actinic keratosis: A pre-cancerous lesion that can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if ignored.

Merkel cell carcinoma: A rare but aggressive form of skin cancer.

Atypical fibroxanthoma: A skin tumor usually found on sun-exposed areas, more common in older adults.

Once you've scheduled an appointment with your dermatologist, they'll likely recommend a thorough examination of any suspicious moles or growths. This process often includes a dermatoscopy examination, where a handheld magnifying tool allows the dermatologist to inspect the lesion closely. The goal is to determine whether the mole or growth is benign or requires further investigation.

If the dermatologist suspects the growth may be cancerous, they may recommend a skin biopsy. A biopsy is a critical next step in determining whether the abnormality is cancerous, and there are several types of biopsies, depending on the size and type of growth:

One of the most stressful parts of the skin cancer screening process can be waiting for biopsy results. While it can take anywhere from a few days to a week to receive the results, your dermatologist at Keystone Dermatology Partners will keep you informed and provide timely updates. Rest assured, we're here to support you throughout the entire process, offering the information you need as soon as we receive it.

If your biopsy results indicate that you have skin cancer, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but there are effective procedures available depending on the type, size, and location of the lesion. Some of the procedure options your dermatologist may discuss include:

Excision: A surgical procedure to completely remove the cancerous lesion, often used for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Cryotherapy: This method involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cancer cells.

Mohs surgery: A highly specialized procedure used to remove skin cancer layer by layer, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This is commonly used for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Radiation therapy: For more advanced or difficult-to-treat cancers, radiation may be recommended to target and destroy cancer cells.

Topical treatments: For certain types of superficial skin cancers, topical medications can help destroy cancer cells on the surface of the skin.

After receiving treatment, regular follow-up visits with your dermatologist are crucial. Skin cancer can recur, and routine monitoring of your skin can help detect any new or suspicious growths early. Whether you've had a mole removed or been treated for a more serious form of skin cancer, maintaining a close relationship with your dermatologist is key to protecting your health long-term.

At Keystone Dermatology Partners, we provide personalized follow-up care, ensuring that you're always informed and supported. We encourage our patients to perform regular self-exams and schedule routine skin checks with our team, as early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

If you're concerned about the results of a recent skin cancer screening, don't wait—take action by consulting with a professional dermatologist. At Keystone Dermatology Partners, we are committed to providing comprehensive care, from initial screenings to biopsies and personalized treatment plans. Your health is our priority, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.