Could you benefit from a skin cancer screening?

When was the last time you had a skin cancer screening? Perhaps the better question might even be, “Have you ever had a skin cancer screening?” Regardless of your risk factors, it’s important for everyone to turn to our Batavia, IL, dermatologist Dr. Sharon Horton for a comprehensive skin cancer evaluation. Here’s what you should know about skin cancer risks and getting screened by our team of professionals.

What are the risk factors?

While a good rule of thumb is to get a skin cancer screening once a year, you may wish to speak with our Batavia, IL, dermatologist Dr. Horton about coming in more regularly if you are at an increased risk for skin cancer. Risk factors include,

• A family history of skin cancer
• Personal history of skin cancer
• Fair skin tone
• Light hair (red or blonde)
• Fair eyes (blue or green)
• Lots of freckles or moles
• Skin that burns easily
• A history of sunburns
• Extensive exposure to the sun
• Having a history of tanning bed use

What does getting screened entail?

One of the first things people want to know is, “Will a screening hurt?” This screening is completely non-invasive and painless, and it only takes a couple of minutes to complete. Our Batavia, IL, dermatologist will first have you change out of your clothes and into a dressing gown. Next, we will examine all areas of the body from the scalp to your toes and the soles of your feet. What are we looking for, exactly? Any changes to the color, shape, size or texture of your moles that could be signs of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers. 

What happens if you find something?

If we want to examine a mole or growth a little more closely, we may use a handheld magnifying tool known as a dermatoscope. A dermatoscopy is also a painless and non-invasive way to get a more up-close-and-personal look at a mole.

We will simply direct the magnifying tool over the mole to take a closer look. If we detect melanoma, we may be able to remove the mole immediately but we may need to schedule a separate appointment.

If you are concerned about a mole or you simply need to schedule a skin cancer screening with our Batavia, IL, dermatologist Dr. Horton, call Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery at (630) 482-3700.