At Storwick Dermatology, we understand that a full skin examination can be uncomfortable and slightly embarrassing and this is why we always offer you a gown to change into prior to the doctor coming into the room. We advise you to leave your undergarments on under the gown unless there is a suspicious lesion in the area. Your comfort and ease with this process is very important to us.
What to expect during a skin examination:
Once you are changed and ready, the dermatologist will enter the room with the clinical assistant and begin a head-to-toe skin exam. This is a good time to ask about any spots you are worried about. Our dermatologists can educate you on what to look for, such as any changes in the size, color, borders, or shape of a mole.
There are many different types of skin cancer, including actinic keratoses (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are the most common forms of skin cancer, but melanoma is the most deadly. With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for BCC and SCC is about 95 percent. When melanoma is detected before it spreads, it also has a high cure rate. Regular self-skin exams and a yearly examination by a dermatologist help people find early skin cancers.
For more information on skin cancer screening and mole review please call Storwick Dermatology at 403-286-0086. We do require a referral for skin examinations. For more medical services click here.