The Importance Of Regular Skin Exams

Maintaining regular skin exams provides the opportunity to ensure your skin is free of any precancerous or cancerous lesions, as the most common type of cancer in the U.S. is skin cancer. If dermatologists, Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Hobson-Dupree of North County Dermatology Center in Encinitas, CA, detect early signs of skin cancer during your regular skin exams, you are in the most curable stages.

Consider The Risks

When you receive an annual skin exam from your dermatologist, as well as perform monthly self-exams at-home, you can ensure that skin cancer will be detected earlier.

We emphasize the importance of these exams for those who have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, especially if you have any of the following:

  • a personal or family history of melanoma
  • past experiences of abnormal moles
  • extensive sun exposure (including tanning beds) or history with sunburns
  • fair-skin, light eyes, and red or blonde hair
  • weakened immune system

The best way to identify any changes to your skin during a self-examination, include paying attention to:

  • existing spots that have altered in color, shape, size, and texture
  • new moles or spots that appear
  • spots that are unusually outlined or frequently cause discomfort, itchiness, scab, or bleed longer than 3 weeks

What To Expect During A Skin Examination

Receiving a skin exam from your dermatologist in Encinitas, CA, involves a head-to-toe, non-invasive, visual evaluation that lasts no more than 20 minutes.

When you visit with Dr. Thomas and Dr. Hobson-Dupree at North County Dermatology Center, they will ask if you have noticed any changes to your moles, birthmarks, or growths that are of concern. If such concerns arise, your dermatologist will likely recommend a skin biopsy—involving the removal of a small amount of tissue that will be sent to a laboratory to be tested for cancerous cells.

Schedule Your Regular Skin Exam Today

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas or Dr. Hobson-Dupree at North County Dermatology Center, give us a call today, at (760) 230-2805.

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Office Hours

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed