The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness
2924 Siskiyou Blvd, Suite 200
Medford, OR 97504
Phone: (541) 200-2777
Fax: (541) 214-2575
Tuesday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The Annex at the Clinic
2937 Siskiyou Blvd, Suite 1
Medford, OR 97504
Phone: (541) 200-2777
Fax: (541) 214-2575
Tuesday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Each year, nearly 6 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and treated in the United States. If that seems like a high number, it’s because it is. There are more cases of skin cancer every year than all other types of cancer combined. In fact, 1 in 5 people will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the time they reach 70.
At The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness, the primary interest of our dermatological staff is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. For patients from Grants Pass, Ashland, and Northern California, we recommend that you schedule annual full-body skin exams and skin cancer screenings at our Medford, Oregon, dermatology practice to ensure your skin remains healthy and cancer-free.
Before your exam, you should perform your own check so you are aware of any areas that may need a more in-depth look. Skin cancer doesn’t just affect the areas that are exposed to the sun, so be sure to check for spots on your scalp, behind your ears, under your arms, and around your genitals.
If there are any new growths that concern you, mention them to your provider. Additionally, let your provider know if you have any existing growths or moles that have changed in size, shape, or color, or have started to itch or bleed.
You will also want to remove any makeup or nail polish (on both your fingers and toes) before your exam so your provider can see if there are any suspicious spots under your nails.
When you come in for your full-body exam, you will disrobe to the level you are comfortable with and put on a gown. Some people choose not to remove their undergarments, which is up to your personal preference, but this means that your provider cannot check the covered areas for unusual spots.
If it is your first appointment with us, your provider will go over your medical history as well as your family history of cancer and your potential risk factors for cancer. They will take a look at any areas you may wish to point out and then begin your full-body skin exam.
During your exam, your provider will check you from head to toe, making a note of any spots you may have mentioned and others that may warrant monitoring or further examination. The full-body skin exam covers every area with skin, including your scalp, face, eyes and eyelids, mouth, ears, hands, fingernails, torso, feet, and toenails.
If there are small spots or ones that require a closer look, your provider will use a dermatoscope, which is a device that combines a magnifier and light so that we can get a better look at spots that aren’t as visible to the naked eye.
Your provider is examining the moles on your skin to note the “ABCDEs” of each one, which can all be possible indicators of skin cancer, such as:
If your provider finds a suspicious spot, they may measure it and monitor it over time. You may need to get the spot biopsied if it looks more serious. A biopsy is an in-office procedure where your provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic and then either scrape off a sample of the lesion or use a punch tool to get deeper layers of skin. The sample is sent for lab processing, and you will most likely receive your results in a week to 10 days.
A full-body skin exam typically takes about 10 minutes, and if a biopsy is necessary, we are typically able to perform the biopsy during your examination. In situations where your health, upcoming out-of-the-area travel, or high number of areas to biopsy come into play, we may schedule your biopsy(s) to be conducted at a follow-up appointment.
If you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, rest assured you’re in the hands of board-certified dermatologists who have successfully treated countless people and are ready to do the same for you. The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness offers today’s most innovative treatments for cancerous and precancerous lesions, including photodynamic therapy, Mohs surgery, and GentleCure IG-SRT.
Stage 1 skin cancer often appears as a small flat patch, raised bump, or area with an irregular border. Common signs include rough or scaly patches; sores that don’t heal, itch, or bleed; or unusual changes in a mole’s size, shape, or color. The best way to determine if a lesion is cancerous is to see a dermatology professional.
Most medical insurers cover the cost of an annual skin cancer screening. However, co-pays and deductibles may be involved and vary between plans and providers.
The best age to start regular skin cancer screenings depends on your risk factors. People with fair skin, blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes, a large number of moles, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer are more at risk. If you notice changes in your skin or moles at any age, you should see a dermatology professional promptly, as early detection is key.
The speed at which skin cancer spreads varies with each type. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and rarely spreads. Squamous cell carcinoma tends to grow faster and may invade deeper tissues and other body parts if not treated. Melanoma is much less common but can be deadly. It can spread quickly, sometimes within weeks or months. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread.
Dermatologists and other dermatology providers can identify suspicious moles or skin lesions based on appearance but need a biopsy to make a definitive diagnosis. Biopsies involve removing a small sample of the mole or lesion and examining it under a microscope for signs of cancer.
We encourage everyone to make an appointment for a full-body skin exam. It is a quick and painless way to ensure that you don’t have any signs of skin cancer (or for early detection), and most people only need to come into our Rogue Region office once a year. Get started by booking online or calling (541) 200-2777.
