What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening With a Dermatologist

At Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center, Dr. Christopher Sartori and Dr. Brett Matheson provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings to patients in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad, CO. These screenings are vital for maintaining skin health and catching skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

What Is a Skin Cancer Screening?

A skin cancer screening is a visual check by a dermatologist for unusual moles, growths, or lesions. The idea is to catch it early, before skin cancer has a chance to spread or be harder to treat. Screenings are particularly important for people with fair-colored skin, a history of sunburns, regular sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer.

What Happens During the Appointment

Your examination starts with a discussion of your family and medical history. Your dermatologist might inquire about your sun exposure, previous skin problems, and whether you have noticed any changes in moles or spots.

Then, the physician does a head-to-toe skin examination, checking areas such as the scalp, back, legs, arms, and feet. A dermatoscopy, a small handheld magnifying glass with a light, is utilized to examine any suspicious moles or lesions closely. If your dermatologist finds anything unusual, he or she might perform a quick biopsy to examine the tissue.

The entire process is typically quick and painless. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward and informative the screening is.

Why Early Detection Matters

Skin cancer is extremely treatable when it is caught early. Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are all detectable through routine screenings before they become serious. Catching these conditions early can significantly reduce your need for more extreme treatments.

Routine screenings are recommended annually for those at higher risk and every few years for lower-risk individuals. However, if you notice any new or changing spots, it’s best to schedule an evaluation right away.

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening Today

Dr. Christopher Sartori and Dr. Brett Matheson at Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center are proud to serve the communities of Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad, CO. With a focus on early detection and personalized care, they make skin cancer screenings a simple and life-saving step in your healthcare routine. To schedule your screening, call our Colorado Springs office at (719) 574-0310, Pueblo office at (719) 564-5544, or Trinidad office at (800) 290-2478.