The Beauty of Early Skin Cancer Detection
The Beauty of Early Skin Cancer Detection
Detecting and treating skin cancer early doesn’t just improve your health—it also helps preserve your appearance. At Midwest Dermatology, our primary goal is to remove any detected cancer, but our physicians are also skilled at minimizing the visible impact of treatment. The earlier skin cancer is caught, the better the outcome—for your health and your looks.
Catch it Early, Keep Your Skin Looking Great
When skin cancer is detected early, it’s often smaller and easier to remove, which means less scarring and repairs that blend more naturally with your skin. Waiting too long can mean dealing with larger removals and more noticeable results. Getting checked at the first sign of a problem can make all the difference.
What to Watch For
Early detection is key. Seeking professional medical attention as soon as you notice warning signs gives us the best chance of achieving a successful outcome. Keep an eye out for:
- New moles or growths
- Changes or growth in existing moles
- Skin lesions that bleed, don’t heal, or itch
Also, don’t forget about the ABCDEs of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- Color: Varies from one area to another
- Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm)
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms like bleeding or itching
Treatment and Restoration
Midwest Dermatology is proud to be one of the region’s leading centers for Mohs surgery—a highly effective treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery allows for precise removal of cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
When skin cancer is detected early and involves a small area, our team can minimize visible scarring. If a larger lesion needs to be removed, our dermatologists use their expertise in skin movement, texture, and healing to ensure the best possible outcome. To repair the area after removal, they may use techniques like:
- Simple closure for small areas
- Layered closures to maintain a smooth, natural contour
- Rotation of adjacent skin to blend with natural lines
- Grafting healthy tissue to larger affected areas (reserved for the most severe cases)
Advanced Detection with FotoFinder
At Midwest Dermatology, we’re committed to early and accurate skin cancer detection. That’s why we offer FotoFinder at our Papillion office. This quick, convenient test completes the picture when scheduled in addition to your yearly skin checks. FotoFinder captures high-resolution images of your moles and growths, allowing us to track even subtle changes over time. This advanced technology makes it easier to detect melanoma and other skin cancers at their earliest—and most treatable—stages. You do not need an appointment with your physician to schedule. Simply call us at (402) 933-0800 or follow the instructions to schedule here.
Early Detection Makes a Difference
The beauty of early detection is twofold—it’s crucial for your health and beneficial for maintaining your appearance. Don’t let fear or worry stop you from getting checked. At Midwest Dermatology, our focus is on both removing cancer and preserving your skin’s natural look.
If you or someone you love notices any warning signs, don’t wait. Schedule a skin exam with us today and take the first step toward protecting your health and appearance.
Schedule your spot check or total body skin exam by calling (402) 933-0800 or use this link to schedule your appointment at the location and time of your convenience.
