Skin Cancer Screenings

One of the best things you can do for your overall health is to schedule a skin cancer screening with our board-certified Houston dermatologists.  Appointments are quick, thorough, and easy.

What is a skin cancer screening?

A skin cancer screening is where your dermatologist will visually inspect your skin to look for suspicious lesions.  It does not involve any blood tests.  Unless a biopsy or other procedure is needed, the skin exam is painless.

Why do I need a skin examination?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting about 1 in 5 Americans.  People of all skin types and races can get skin cancer, though certain skin types are more at risk than others.  With early detection and proper treatment, most skin cancers are highly curable.  Even melanoma, if detected early, has a high cure rate.  Routine and regular self-skin exams as well as a yearly skin examination by a board-certified dermatologist can help people find early skin cancers.
 

Does insurance cover a skin cancer evaluation?

Skin cancer screenings cannot be billed as a "preventive" exam, but typically patients have at least a few lesions on the body that they want evaluate.  As long as there is something on the skin, insurance should cover the visit.

Who does the skin cancer screenings?

All of our skin checks, and all of our visits, are with board-certified dermatologists who have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers.  The medical assistant will be present in the room to help chart any lesions.

How long will the visit take?

Screenings typically take between 10-20 minutes, depending on how many atypical moles or lesions are present on a patient.

Which areas of my body will be screened for cancer?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends full-body examinations whenever possible.  This can be quite thorough, including private areas.  If you have areas you prefer to leave unexamined (which we do not recommend!), be sure to tell your doctor at the time of your visit.  Otherwise, we are very thorough and complete. 

Can I ask about other skin conditions while I am there for my skin check?

The answer to this is sometimes.  We try to make skin examinations a priority when you are there for one, but if you don't have numerous suspicious lesions or you don't need any procedures, we may sometimes have time to address another specific skin complaint.  Otherwise, we are happy to bring you back so that we can give your other problems the attention they deserve.

How often do I need a skin exam?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends yearly skin examinations with a board-certified dermatologist.  It is also recommended that you do monthly self-skin exams.