Routine Skin Exams

Did you know that you are supposed to have regular skin exams? If you didn’t know this, you are not alone. The skin, our largest organ, is often overlooked when it comes to health. Our dermatologists specialize in looking for skin cancer and they treat all kinds of skin lesions. We can help you learn what to watch for and know the signs of when you need to come visit us. We will assess your risks for skin cancer and let you know how often you should come in for a skin examination. Call us or request an appointment online to set your exam up today. 

Why should I get my Skin Checked?

You may not think about your skin’s health until something goes wrong, but the dermatologists at Southwest Michigan Dermatology encourage you to touch base every so often.  Routine skin exams are crucial for detecting skin cancer in its earliest and most treatable stage. Skin cancer is much easier to treat when it hasn’t spread beyond the skin and getting an early cancer diagnosis may help you avoid your skin cancer becoming malignant.  Routine skin exams from Southwest Michigan Dermatology can detect: 

Precancerous lesions

Basal cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma

Melanoma

What should I expect from a skin exam?

When you come for a skin examination a friendly Medical Assistant will take you back to a private room; they will gather all the medical history and information required for the visit. They will provide you with a gown to change into. After giving you time to change, your provider will come into the room. They will check your skin from head to toe looking for anything unusual. If they have any concerns about your skin, they will address them with you. They will also ask if you have any concerns about your skin. Sometimes a biopsy is needed to determine if a spot is cancerous. Biopsy results take about 2 weeks to return. After your provider reviews the results, we will let you know what the results are and if follow-up is needed. If no biopsies are done at your visit your provider will determine how soon they would like you to return for your next visit. You will be on your way in about 30 minutes!

How often should I come in?

After you meet with the team for the first time, they can determine your skin health risks and advise you on any services you need. They can also tell you how often you should see a dermatologist for preventive screenings.  Between routine skin exams, they advise you to examine your skin at home and report any new, changing, or unusual moles and marks. 

If it is time for you to come to the office and get your skin examination, or have a spot on your skin that you are concerned about, call us at 269-321-7546 or request an appointment online.