Safeguard your skin with annual skin cancer screenings in Bridgewater at Curated Dermatology. If you’ve noticed a changing mole, persistent lesion, or are over the age of 35, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Dr. Tanvi Patel offers comprehensive skin exams to detect concerns early, because at Curated Dermatology, your care is curated with precision and purpose.
Catch warning signs early and stay protected
Skin cancer screenings are one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. Even if you feel fine or haven’t noticed any changes, skin cancer can develop quietly and often without pain. By coming in for regular skin cancer screenings, you give yourself the best chance at early detection, when treatment outcomes are strongest. If you’ve noticed a new or evolving spot or simply want to remain proactive with your health, screenings are essential.
The ABCDEs of skin cancer detection
Regular skin cancer screenings are essential, even if you haven’t noticed any changes or symptoms. Skin cancer can develop silently, and early detection is often the key to a successful outcome. Screenings are especially important if you’re over 35, have a history of sun exposure, or have noticed any new or changing moles. Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of regularly examining your skin for subtle warning signs. One of the most effective self-screening tools is the ABCDE guide, used to evaluate moles and other pigmented lesions.
Each letter in the ABCDEs stands for a specific feature to watch for:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or poorly defined.
- C – Color: Uneven color or multiple shades (brown, black, red, blue).
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.
- E – Evolution: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Urgency of skin cancer detection
Mild
Moles with mild urgency may show small or subtle changes over time, but typically appear harmless. These lesions may not require immediate action, but should still be monitored during routine skin exams. When doing skin cancer screening in Bridgewater, Dr. Patel often recommends documenting their appearance and noting any gradual changes that occur. While these spots may not be dangerous now, consistent observation ensures they remain benign and don’t evolve into something more serious.
Moderate
Moderate-urgency moles often show noticeable but non-alarming changes in color, size, or shape. These may indicate a precancerous state or a lesion at risk of developing into cancer. If you’ve noticed any steady evolution in a mole’s features in relation to the color, size, or borders, it’s important to schedule a professional evaluation. Dr. Patel can determine whether monitoring or removal is appropriate, helping you stay ahead of any potential risk.
Severe
Moles with severe urgency typically display dramatic changes or concerning symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting. These may include asymmetrical mole shapes, irregular borders, multiple colors, or rapid growth. Lesions with these features should be examined as soon as possible. Dr. Patel prioritizes urgent evaluations when cancer is suspected because, when it comes to skin cancer, early detection can be lifesaving.
Initial consultation
Your skin cancer exam in Bridgewater begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Patel. She’ll review your personal and family history, ask about any new or changing moles, and evaluate your overall risk factors, such as prior skin cancers. Dr. Patel will perform a comprehensive full-body skin exam, carefully examining any suspicious lesions using a dermatoscope, a tool that magnifies and illuminates the skin for enhanced accuracy. This allows her to detect even subtle signs of malignancy.
Stages of skin cancer screening
Skin biopsy
If Dr. Patel identifies a concerning spot during your exam, she may recommend a skin biopsy. This involves removing a small sample, or sometimes the entire lesion, under local anesthesia for laboratory analysis. The procedure is quick, and you’ll receive instructions on caring for the biopsy site afterward. A biopsy is often the only test needed to confirm or rule out skin cancer, and it provides the critical information needed to plan the next steps in your care.
Skin cancer grading
If cancer is confirmed, the next step is grading. Grading refers to the degree of abnormality that the cancer cells exhibit under a microscope. Dr. Patel will use this information to assess how aggressively the tumor may behave. Tumors with more abnormal cells tend to grow and spread more quickly, so this step helps guide the urgency and intensity of your treatment plan.
Skin cancer staging
Staging determines the size of the tumor and its extent of spread, both locally and throughout the body. Dr. Patel may perform a physical examination of nearby lymph nodes or order imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, if necessary. Accurate staging is crucial for selecting the most suitable treatment and determining your long-term prognosis.
Oncological dermatology,
curated just for you
Curated Dermatology is dedicated to the early detection and expert management of skin cancer. Dr. Tanvi Patel, our board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in medical and surgical dermatology, brings a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to screenings. If you’ve noticed a suspicious lesion or simply want to remain proactive, schedule your consultation for a skin cancer exam in Bridgewater, NJ, today. Remember, early detection saves lives.
