Skin Cancer Screening

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1. What is Skin Cancer Screening?
2. Skin Cancer Symptoms
3. What to Expect During a Screening for Skin Cancer
4. What to Expect After a Skin Cancer Screening
5. View Dr. Damstetter's Favorite Skin Protection Products
6. Schedule an Appointment

One of the most important steps you can take for your skin health is to schedule regular skin cancer screenings with a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but it is very treatable, especially when detected early. Especially for those in higher-risk groups, it is important to have your skin examined by a qualified dermatologist like Dr. Liz Damstetter at Reserve Dermatology.

What is Skin Cancer Screening?

Skin cancer screenings are examinations to check for signs of skin cancer before you exhibit symptoms. This is an important way to detect and diagnose skin cancer at an early stage should you develop the disease.

Because it is so beneficial to detect skin cancer at early stages, remember that if Dr. Damstetter suggests skin cancer screening, this does not mean she believes you are likely to have cancer. Screening is simply an important way to maintain your best possible health. By catching squamous cell skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma early, they can be easily treated. Only when skin cancers go undetected do they become dangerous and life-threatening.

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“I had a recent visit to Dr Damstetter’s clinic and would like to share my experience. I am a Navy vet(corpsman) and usually get seen at the VA but since we don’t have a Derm provider right now, I was fortunately sent out to her clinic to be evaluated. It’s a nice clinic in a nice area and was relatively easy to find. A pleasant Ms. Nancy at the front desk was helpful in completing the check-in process. Easy day. I did not have to wait long and was soon met by Dr. Damstetter’s assistant, who for classified reasons I will refer to as “Agent 8”. I am sure if she gets tired of providing excellent medical care, her slick-ninja skillset could get her a job with the CIA or MI6 maybe. Short story long, Agent 8 brought me back to the patient area, where I was introduced to Dr Damstetter, who was all the things you would want in a doctor: a knowledgeable provider with a great bedside manner. She gave me a thorough exam which did end up showing that I needed a minor procedure. No worries. I felt well taken care of throughout my visit. No one likes to have to see the doctor, but if you have a dermatological concern, this is a good place with good people who did great by me, and I am thankful to have been sent here.”

“Dr. Liz is truly the best dermatologist I’ve ever been to. She is attentive, kind, and genuinely cares about her patients and their overall skin health. I can not recommend her enough!!!”

“Wonderful experience here! The doctor took the time to educate me on a variety of cosmetic options and gave her candid opinion resulting in just the right amount of cosmetic adjustments! Her staff was delightful and attentive! I would highly recommend for general derm needs and cosmetic adjustments.”

“Dr. Damstetter was the first dermatologist I trusted to do my Botox. She is both knowledgeable and professional and did a fantastic job. I will be using her for any and all of my future needs.”

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer cells primarily develop from a lifetime of UV ray exposure from the sun or tanning beds. Over time, UV radiation damages the underlying cell mechanisms, causing them to grow out of control. Certain risk factors can make you more likely to experience skin cancer, such as being fair-skinned, having light hair and eyes, being of a certain age group, and more.

Skin Cancer Symptoms

Different types of skin cancer may have different symptoms that both you and Dr. Damstetter should look out for. If you notice an unusual skin spot with the following characteristics, schedule an appointment right away.

• Itching, bleeding, or pain in a growth or lesion
• Unusual or changing moles
• White waxy lumps
• Brown scaly patches
• Firm red nodules
• Sores that do not heal

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Liz Damstetter, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Meet the Doctor

Diagnosing Skin Cancer

If Dr. Damstetter notices signs of skin cancer, the next step is to perform a skin biopsy. This involves removing a sample of tissue from the growth or lesion so it can be tested in a laboratory. Skin cancer biopsies are performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain as the tissue sample is removed. In some cases, the biopsy removes the entire growth, making further treatment unnecessary should you receive a skin cancer diagnosis. It can also determine the type of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. However, most patients will require follow-up treatments to completely remove the cancerous cells. Dr. Damstetter will explain your best treatment options once testing is complete and a diagnosis has been made.

What to Expect During a Screening for Skin Cancer

Before your skin cancer screening begins, Dr. Damstetter will ask if you have noticed any changing moles or other signs of skin cancer. Prior to your appointment, you should take note of any moles or growths that you have noticed. It can be helpful to take regular pictures of the area to compare any changes over time.

To complete your skin cancer screening, you will then change into a medical gown. Dr. Damstetter will briefly examine your skin from head to toe, being sure to check areas that are difficult to see in a self-exam such as the scalp, between your toes, or the soles of your feet. A tool known as a dermatoscope may be used to visualize deeper structures of any skin growths to determine if any atypical features are present. This process typically takes no more than 10 minutes.

What to Expect After a Skin Cancer Screening

In addition to your professional skin cancer screenings, you should routinely perform skin self-exams at home on your own skin and your loved ones’. Check for the “ABCDE’s” of skin cancer—moles that are asymmetrical, changing borders, irregular color, diameters larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving shape, size, or color over time. In addition to irregular moles, learn the symptoms of various types of skin cancer, such as sores that do not heal. Take note of these signs and point out any abnormal moles or growths to Dr. Damstetter during your appointment.

Regular skin cancer screenings are the best way to stay vigilant of skin cancer, as not all skin cancers develop slowly. Dr. Damstetter will recommend when to return for another screening.

View Dr. Damstetter’s Favorite Skin Protection Products

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule a skin cancer screening with Dr. Damstetter, call Reserve Dermatology’s Glenview, Illinois office or contact us online.