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Skin Cancer
Screening
With early detection through regular screenings, skin cancer is treatable. At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, our board-certified dermatologists perform thorough screenings for all types of skin cancer.
- Downtime: Minimal
- Pain Level: Minimal
- Results Duration: Regular screenings recommended
Treats:
Skin cancer and precancerous lesions
Side Effects:
No side effects unless a biopsy is performed
Location:
Anywhere on the face and body
Follow Up:
Routine skin cancer screenings are recommended
How Performed:
Dermatologist performs a visual inspection and takes biopsies if needed for further testing
Preparation:
No preparation is needed, but a topical anesthetic may be available if a biopsy is performed
Procedure Type:
Noninvasive
Expected Outcome:
Early detection of skin cancer to determine the appropriate treatment
Onset:
Results are immediate unless further testing is needed
Skin Cancer Screening

As the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and around the world, skin cancer affects thousands of people each day. Most individuals with skin cancer develop nonmelanoma cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. However, melanoma is far more dangerous without proper treatment. While rare, the American Cancer Society estimates that around 6,850 people lose their lives to melanoma each year.
The most effective tool against all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, is a skin cancer screening. Skin cancer screenings are visual examinations that aim to detect cancerous lesions on the face and body. Some screenings use special devices to identify subtle changes to skin lesions, which may signify a malignancy. The sooner malignant skin cancer cells are found, the quicker you can receive treatment for a full recovery.
At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania in the greater Philadelphia area on the Main Line in Devon, Jordan V. Wang, MD, MBE, MBA, and his team of board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings for their patients. Our team uses the most advanced equipment available to perform skin cancer screenings for patients of all ages.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
Changes to your skin, such as growing moles or bleeding lesions, can indicate skin cancer. Many potential cancers are discovered through self-checks, so it’s important to stay vigilant. Always follow up with a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes to the tone or texture of your skin, as early detection and intervention is key when treating cancer.
Schedule an appointment with one of the board-certified dermatologists at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania if you notice any of the following during your self-checks:
- Moles that change in size, shape, or color
- Slow-healing sores
- Painful lumps, bumps, or moles
- A mole that becomes crusty
- A bleeding mole
- Bumps that have become shiny or translucent
- Pink, white, or red bumps
Some individuals are at a higher risk of skin cancer than others. Those with fair skin, light-colored eyes and hair, or a history of skin cancer and sunburns in their family should undergo regular skin cancer screenings. If you spend ample time in the sun or have many moles, your dermatologist may also recommend regular screenings and self-checks.
Early Detection
Most statistics show that early detection of skin cancer can improve a patient’s survival rate. In fact, the 5-year survival rate for an individual with melanoma is 99% when the disease is treated early, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Once the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, the survival rate drops to 65% and plummets to 25% if it reaches the organs.
Not only is the skin cancer prognosis better with early intervention, it also allows for more attractive cosmetic results after treatment. Basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas can grow quite large and destroy the surrounding tissue. By removing the lesion before it grows too large, there is a lower risk of significant scarring in most cases.
Ready to schedule your skin cancer screen consultation? contact us at Laser & skin surgery center of pennsylvania today!
If you have questions about skin cancer screenings or would like to schedule an appointment with our office in Devon, PA, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Publications
Wang JV, Griffin TD. Fractional ablative laser-assisted photodynamic therapy as field treatment for actinic keratoses: Our anecdotal experience. Skinmed 2020;18(4):214-6.
Skin Cancer Screening
FAQ
Q: What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
A: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Lesions typically appear as red patches of skin, sores that don’t heal, small bumps or nodules, or flat, waxy scar-like wounds. Basal cell carcinomas commonly develop in areas that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, head, neck, and chest.
Q: What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
A: Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. Appearing as thick, rough, scaly patches, squamous cell carcinoma typically develops on areas of the skin that receive frequent sun exposure. Though these lesions are often slow-growing, they can grow deeper into the skin and become very difficult to remove.
Q: What Does Early Stage Skin Cancer Look Like?
A: When performing a skin cancer self-check, keep the ABCDE rule in mind:
- Asymmetry – asymmetrical moles look uneven on each side
- Border – moles without even borders can be malignant
- Color – uneven or rapidly changing color may indicate malignancy
- Diameter – any mole larger than a pencil eraser requires an exam
- Evolution – moles that change in any way can be malignant
Q: What Is Considered Early Detection for Melanomas?
A: If you have a mole that meets any of the ABCDE criteria, you should schedule a skin cancer screening with your board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania right away. Early detection not only offers a better prognosis, it may also lead to less scarring.
Q: When Should I Start Getting Skin Cancer Screenings?
A: If you’re considered high risk for skin cancer, annual screenings are essential to protect your health. The American Cancer Society recommends skin cancer screenings every 3 years for individuals aged 20-40 and every year after the age of 40.
Q: Can You Die from Skin Cancer?
A: While nonmelanoma cancers are rarely fatal, malignant melanoma can be very dangerous once it spreads to other areas of the body. That’s why early detection and treatment are critical to preserve your health if you have skin cancer.
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Trusted Worldwide
Our dermatology center in the greater Philadelphia area on the Main Line in Devon, which spans more than 8,000 square feet, is a comprehensive cosmetic and medical dermatology facility. Our board-certified dermatologists are leaders in the industry who have trained under distinguished physicians to provide our patients with cutting-edge care.
Title | Address | Description |
---|---|---|
Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania | 92 Lancaster Ave #120, Devon, PA 19333, USA | 92 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Devon, PA 19333 Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday: September through June as needed
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laser & skin
surgery center of Pennsylvania
Contact us
92 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Devon, PA 19333
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Limited Saturdays: 8:00am - 12:00pm
(215) 309-8123
Manhattan:
92 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Devon, PA 19333
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: September through June by appointment only
Southampton:
325 Meeting House Lane, Bldg. 1, Ste. C Southampton, NY 11968
Monday - Wednesday, Friday: 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
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