Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the USA. In most instances, it is the result of years of sun exposure that began when we were children. Dr. Kopelman will carefully evaluate your skin for signs of sun damage, pre-cancers, abnormal moles or growths, or skin cancers. If needed, most skin biopsies (taking a sample of skin for testing) can be performed in the office on the same day. She will also provide recommendations on how to protect your skin from additional damage.

Common types of skin cancer include:

basal cell carcinomas

Often these are slow-growing, small, pink shiny bumps that may bleed with minimal or no injury.

squamous cell carcinomas

These may be slow or fast growing, and may be a pink scaly patch or a round pink bump.

melanomas

Skin cancers that arise from abnormal color-making cells. These may grow slowly or quickly; most commonly, they look like an irregular brown patch or bump, but sometimes they may be skin colored or pink.

Dr. Kopelman recommends that everyone check their skin on a regular basis (monthly) for NEW or CHANGING spots. For most adults, she also recommends an annual skin check by a physician to evaluate skin changes.