What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening?

At Aberdeen Dermatology Associates in Aberdeen, SD, serving Ipswich and Groton, SD, we use a skin cancer screening to look closely for suspicious spots before they become harder to treat. These visits are straightforward, but they play an important role in early detection. Dr. Ty Hanson performs screenings with close attention to changing lesions, patient risk factors, and subtle warning signs that patients may not notice on their own.

We Start With Your Skin History

A skin cancer screening usually begins with questions about your personal and family history. We ask whether you have had skin cancer before, whether it runs in your family, and whether you have noticed any new or changing lesions. We also ask about sun exposure, tanning bed use, blistering sunburns, and any spots that itch, bleed, crust, or fail to heal. This history helps us understand your level of risk and which areas may need extra attention.

We Perform a Full Skin Exam

After the history, we examine the skin carefully from head to toe. A skin cancer screening allows us to check areas that patients often cannot see well on their own, including the scalp, ears, back, and backs of the legs. We look for suspicious moles, rough patches, non-healing sores, pearly bumps, dark lesions, and other changes that may suggest skin cancer. During the visit, we also compare different lesions to identify spots that stand out from the rest of your skin.

We Look For Specific Warning Signs

We pay close attention to features that may suggest basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. For moles, we often use the ABCDE rule to evaluate asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolution over time. Dr. Hanson also looks for sores that do not heal, scaly or crusted patches, and growths that bleed or change. A lesion does not need to look dramatic to deserve closer evaluation.

We Decide Whether a Spot Needs More Testing

If we find a suspicious lesion, we explain why it stands out and discuss next steps. In some cases, we may recommend monitoring it. In others, we may advise a biopsy so we can determine exactly what the lesion is. A biopsy gives us a more precise diagnosis and helps guide treatment if skin cancer is present.

Why Regular Screenings Matter

Many skin cancers respond best to early treatment. A skin cancer screening gives us the chance to catch problems sooner, when treatment may be simpler and outcomes may be better. These visits are especially important for patients with fair skin, heavy sun exposure, a history of skin cancer, or many changing moles.

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening

At Aberdeen Dermatology Associates in Aberdeen, SD, serving Ipswich and Groton, SD, we provide skin cancer screening exams designed to support early detection and timely treatment. Dr. Ty Hanson and our team are here to help you stay ahead of suspicious skin changes. Call us at (605) 226-0560 to schedule an appointment.