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.

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.

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.

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.