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The Benefits of Regular Skin Cancer Screenings

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Your dermatologist is an important part of your healthcare team. Your dermatologist performs a vital service that could save your life–regular skin cancer screenings. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and there are several types including:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Malignant melanoma

The first two types are typically easy to treat if caught in their early stages. The third type, malignant melanoma, can be disfiguring and even deadly.

Regular skin cancer screenings can help catch skin cancer early before it can grow worse or spread. During a regular skin cancer screening, your dermatologist will check your skin, looking for scaly patches, redness, and other skin abnormalities.

In addition, your dermatologist will check your moles, looking for any moles that are:

  • Large, with a diameter 6 millimeters or greater
  • Irregular, with ragged, uneven borders
  • Asymmetrical, with one side different from the other
  • Growing back after previous removal

If your dermatologist notices any suspicious areas or abnormal moles, a skin sample or the entire mole may be removed and sent off for a biopsy. A biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells.

Regular skin cancer screenings are important to your continuing good health. In addition to skin cancer screenings, it’s important to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Remember to:

  • Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily, or at least SPF 30 if you are outside for a long period of time
  • Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 50 if you have light skin and are at higher risk of skin cancer
  • Wear hats, sunglasses, and other protective items
  • Try to stay out of direct sunlight between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, when ultraviolet rays are most damaging

Being out in the sun can feel great, but it can be harmful to your skin. Protect yourself with regular skin cancer screenings from your dermatologist. To find out more about the benefits of regular skin cancer screenings, call your dermatologist today.

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Karen F.

I went for a facial with Reganne, and it was wonderful! She was the right balance of chatty and quiet so that I felt personally welcomed but also able to relax and soak in all the luxurious treatment. She also was so kind and considerate, being very careful which products she used because she knew I am sensitive to some fragrances. I scheduled my appointment for the end of my regular work week, and now, this evening I’m feeling fabulous!

RJ and MJ Olson

We both chose the practice for our dermatology well checks and any issues that may be discovered during those visits. Most of the practitioners have been great. I also enjoy the facial services they offer at the practice. Both estheticians I have seen there have been wonderful! They have both been very accommodating given multiple allergies that can make my skin reactive. I look forward to my time with the esthetician.

Cathy Robinson

The entire staff is courteous and very helpful. They were right on time. They work together well. They are accepting of questions and are willing to answer the questions. They offer reminders for follow up appointments. I am very pleased to be a patient of this office.

Susan Zeller

As a new patient I greatly appreciated getting an appointment with a few days of submitting my application form instead of a long wait. The staff at the front desk were very pleasant, efficient and helpful in making this happen. The service I received from my doctor was good.

Tom

David M was great in all key areas that were important to me. Skill, bedside manner, updates during the surgery and his summary after the procedure. His nurse was also first rate. Thank you both for all that you did for me. NP Donna has treated me previously at this practice and I echo my comments here for her and the nurses, reception and scheduling employees. Thank you all for a great experience

Jennifer Gemmell

This was the most pleasant doctors appointment I’ve ever experienced. The wait wasn’t too long and there were so many beautiful and interesting things to look at while I was there: beautiful art well presented with identification and background details, fascinating terrariums and other plants, and even an Asian meditation garden. Dr. Macallister was very personable, professional and thorough. I was quite happy with her care. The staff too, were professional and pleasant.

Reece W

Saw Donna and Megan, had a concerning spot on my face. I needed an injection and they put me eat ease and really helped me to feel comfortable and relaxed. Even though the needle stung a little bit I was completely distracted with easy conversation to keep my mind off of what was going on. They were incredibly reassuring and informative and I love going to see them! Thank you Donna and Megan for a quick and easy visit! :)

Don Wood

Great experience from the time I arrived for the appointment til I was finished. Donna Brigham is the most professional specailist I've seen in quite some time. She is very good at explaining everything in layman's terms. Her bedside manner puts you at ease and makes you very comfortable with the procedures she is doing.

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