Provider examining a patient in the office of Potozkin + Ellis

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SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS

Skin cancer screenings help detect potentially dangerous changes in moles and skin lesions through comprehensive head-to-toe examinations by dermatology experts. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in Danville, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and extensive experience to identify skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages, potentially saving lives through early detection.

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What Are Skin Cancer Screenings?

Regular skin cancer screenings represent one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer from progressing to dangerous stages. What might appear as a small spot or normal mole could actually signal something serious that needs immediate attention. Whether you have a family history of skin cancer, are at high risk, or simply want peace of mind, professional skin examinations can detect problems before they become life-threatening. Early detection remains the single most important factor in successful skin cancer treatment, making routine screenings essential for maintaining your health.

Some types of skin cancer develop from pre-existing moles you may have had checked previously, while others appear as completely new spots. Most skin cancers result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors, with sun exposure and inadequate protection playing significant roles in development.

When detected and treated early, many types of skin cancer are highly treatable and curable. Key benefits of regular screenings include:

Early detection of potentially dangerous lesions
Professional evaluation of concerning moles or spots
Peace of mind through comprehensive examination
Education about warning signs to watch for
Preventive care that can be life-saving
Establishment of baseline documentation for future comparison

Professional screenings complement but cannot replace regular self-examinations at home.

How Do Skin Cancer Screenings Work?

During your skin check, we examine your skin from head to toe using specialized equipment, including a dermatoscope that helps visualize additional layers of skin not visible to the naked eye. Our dermatology care team has extensive training to identify any skin issues that could warrant further examination or testing and are experts at determining when treatment is needed. The comprehensive examination covers all areas of your body, including hard-to-see locations that you cannot easily examine yourself. Our team may ask additional questions about your lifestyle, family history, and risk factors to get a complete picture of your skin cancer risk. Our Danville patients appreciate the thorough, professional approach that ensures no concerning areas are overlooked.

What Do We Look For During Screenings?

During comprehensive skin cancer screenings, we examine your entire body for:

Warning signs using the ABCDE rule:

Asymmetry (one half doesn’t match the other)
Border irregularity (uneven, scalloped edges)
Color variation (multiple colors within one lesion)
Diameter larger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving (changes in size, shape, color, or texture)

Specific areas we examine include:

All existing moles and birthmarks
New spots or growths
Areas of frequent sun exposure
Hard-to-see locations (scalp, between toes, etc.)
Suspicious changes in texture or appearance

We look for the three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, as well as rarer skin malignancies.

Who Should Get Skin Cancer Screenings?

Higher-risk candidates include those who:

Have a family history of skin cancer
Have fair skin that burns easily
Have a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns
Use tanning beds or have in the past
Have numerous moles or atypical moles
Take medications that increase sun sensitivity
Have a personal history of skin cancer

Everyone should consider regular screenings if they:

Want peace of mind about their skin health
Have noticed changes in existing moles
Discovered new or unusual spots
Work outdoors or spend significant time in the sun

If you’re in the Danville area and haven’t had a recent skin cancer screening, our expert dermatology team can assess your risk level and recommend an appropriate screening schedule during your consultation.

Why Dermatology Expertise Matters

Professional skin cancer screening requires specialized training and experience to distinguish between benign and potentially dangerous lesions. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists, physician associates, and nurse practitioner have extensive experience in skin cancer detection and use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure accurate evaluation. We understand that early detection can be life-saving and take every screening seriously, providing thorough examinations and clear explanations of our findings.

Education and Self-Examination Guidance

We encourage patients to become familiar with their skin and perform regular self-examinations between professional screenings. While self-exams are beneficial and necessary, they have limitations since you cannot easily view certain areas of your body. We recommend using a hand mirror to help examine hard-to-see areas to the best of your ability. Our team is happy to educate you about warning signs to watch for and help you become more knowledgeable about monitoring your skin between visits.

Personalized Consultation and Screening Plan

During your screening, we’ll discuss your individual risk factors, family history, and lifestyle to determine the most appropriate follow-up schedule for your needs. If we identify any concerning lesions, we’ll explain our findings clearly and recommend next steps, which may include biopsy or specialized treatment. We want our patients to stay informed and feel confident about their skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Screenings

How often should I get skin cancer screenings?

We recommend annual screenings for most people, but those at higher risk may need more frequent examinations every 6 months or as recommended by your dermatologist.

What should I do if I notice changes between screenings?

Contact our office immediately if you notice any lesions that meet the ABCDE criteria or any new, changing, or concerning spots on your skin.

Are skin cancer screenings covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover annual skin cancer screenings, especially for patients with risk factors. We’ll verify your coverage during scheduling.

How can I prevent skin cancer?

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, avoid tanning beds, wear protective clothing, seek shade during peak sun hours, and perform regular self-examinations.

What happens if something suspicious is found?

If we identify concerning areas, we may recommend a biopsy or additional testing to determine if treatment is needed. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900

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