Skin Cancer Screenings Matter

A step that can make a lifelong difference

When it comes to cancer prevention and early detection, screenings play a critical role — yet when you feel healthy and don’t notice any symptoms, it can be easy to put them off. Whether it’s a mammogram, a screening for colorectal cancer or a routine skin check, these appointments are designed to catch concerns early — sometimes before you even realize something has changed.

Lisa Fronek, DO, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Ridgeview, explains, “Prevention and early detection are the most powerful and meaningful tools we have. For skin cancer, the earlier we can diagnose and treat it, the better the outcome.”

Screenings help spot concerns early

Skin cancer screenings are one of the simplest and least invasive ways to detect cancer early. Although skin cancer is often visible, it’s not always obvious. "It could be the color, shape, size or texture that some people wouldn’t necessarily recognize as concerning," Dr. Fronek said. "Ridgeview has an excellent team of dermatologists and physician assistants who are specially trained to spot and — if necessary — diagnose and treat these areas of concern."

Skin cancer can affect people of all ages and skin tones. While certain factors like sun exposure, tanning bed use and family history may increase risk, many patients diagnosed with skin cancer are surprised by their findings. "Often, a patient will come in with one spot of concern that ends up being completely benign (non-cancerous)," Dr. Fronek explained. "We’re able to provide reassurance that it is not something of concern, but we may find a different spot that is of concern that they were unaware of."

When a spot needs a closer look

If a suspicious spot is identified during a screening, the next step is usually a biopsy, which is a quick in-office procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and evaluated.

"A biopsy is our best tool to be able to rule skin cancer in or out," Dr. Fronek said. "I think of biopsies as both diagnostic and therapeutic. They can provide peace of mind for a patient knowing that an area they were concerned about isn’t skin cancer or, alternatively, if skin cancer is identified, it can provide key insight into the type of cancer, how fast we need to act and what the treatment options are."

If skin cancer is identified, treatment options are determined by the type, size and location.

Treatment through Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery is a specialized technique through which a specially trained Mohs surgeon removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much of the healthy skin as possible. This method is typically used for the most common skin cancers, which are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

"Mohs surgery allows us to provide the highest cure rates, which are upwards of 98% to 99%. The benefit of this procedure is that we are able to get 100% margin control — meaning we check all of the surrounding tissue to make sure no cancer cells are left behind and you leave the office knowing that the skin cancer is gone," Dr. Fronek said.

The importance of early detection

While advanced treatments like Mohs surgery offer highly effective solutions, early detection remains the most important factor. Skin cancers found early are often simpler to treat and less likely to require extensive procedures. Taking the time for routine cancer screenings is a simple step that can have a lasting impact.

Ridgeview’s Dermatology team offers comprehensive services for a range of conditions such as acne, eczema, growths of the skin and skin cancer — including Mohs surgery. To schedule an appointment, call 952.442.3188.