Prioritizing your skin’s health is essential, especially in sunny environments like Scottsdale or Paradise Valley, Arizona. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and early detection remains the most effective way to ensure successful treatment. At Clear Dermatology & Aesthetics Center, full-body skin cancer screenings provide proactive, expert care designed to detect concerns early and protect your long-term skin health.
Why Full-Body Skin Cancer Exams Are Important
More than two million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, with cases exceeding the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of age or skin tone, and current estimates show that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Routine screenings help identify suspicious lesions early, when treatment is simplest and most effective. Most patients in Arizona would benefit from yearly exams, while those with a personal or family history of skin cancer may require more frequent visits.
What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening
Your screening takes place in a private exam room where you will undress to your undergarments and be covered with a simple drape. Because skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, your physician or physician assistant will perform a thorough head-to-toe evaluation. Areas examined include:
• Scalp, face, and neck
• Torso, back, and abdomen
• Arms, legs, hands, and feet
• Between toes and fingers
• Behind the ears and under breast tissue
• Buttocks
To allow for the most complete evaluation, patients are encouraged to avoid wearing makeup or nail polish and to wear their hair loose so the scalp can be properly examined. The screening typically takes ten to fifteen minutes. Your physician or physician assistant may use a dermatoscope, which is a polarized magnifier with a light, to evaluate any moles or spots that require closer inspection.
What If Something Concerning Is Found
If a spot looks suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended and can often be performed during the same visit. This simple procedure involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic and removing a small tissue sample. The tissue is sent to a dermatopathologist who analyzes it under a microscope. The biopsy is performed to diagnose the lesion, not to treat it. If the biopsy confirms skin cancer, the next appropriate steps will be reviewed, which may include an excision to completely remove the remaining tissue. All treatment options are explained thoroughly to ensure you feel informed and supported.
Expert Skin Cancer Care at Clear Dermatology
Clear Dermatology & Aesthetics Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care using advanced diagnostic tools and years of clinical expertise in a comfortable, clean, and safe environment. Our team prioritizes prevention, early detection, and effective treatment to help keep your skin healthy at every stage of life. Whether you are due for your annual exam or have noticed a new or changing spot, scheduling a skin cancer screening is an important step in protecting your health.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening
A full-body skin exam is quick, comfortable, and potentially lifesaving. If it has been more than a year since your last screening, or if you have never had one, now is the ideal time to take action. Contact Clear Dermatology today to schedule your skin cancer screening and receive the expert, preventive care your skin deserves.
Our Team
Clear Dermatology is a trusted medical, cosmetic, and aesthetic dermatology practice serving Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona. Our team includes a Board-Certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, d fellowship-trained dermatologists, a skilled Mohs surgeon, certified physician assistants, and licensed, CMLT aestheticians dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care in a clean and friendly environment. We believe in partnering with each patient to protect and enhance their skin year-round, offering advanced medical treatments, cutting-edge cosmetic procedures, and personalized guidance for long-term skin health. With two convenient locations, and commitments to exceptional service and care, Clear Dermatology is proud to help individuals and families achieve healthy, beautiful skin at every age.
