Skin Cancer Screening Near Me: Your Complete Guide to Early Detection and Prevention
Are you searching for "skin cancer screening near me" in Chicago? Early detection is your most powerful tool in the fight against skin cancer, and professional screening can literally save your life. With skin cancer affecting 1 in 5 Americans and melanoma cases rising 3% annually, regular screenings by board-certified dermatologists have never been more critical for protecting your health and ensuring peace of mind.
At Advanced Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine in Chicago's South Loop, Dr. Monica Rani and Dr. Stavonnie Patterson provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings and mole checks using advanced diagnostic techniques and over 15 years of combined experience. Our thorough examinations, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to patient education make us your trusted partners in skin cancer prevention and early detection.
Why Skin Cancer Screening is Essential
The Growing Skin Cancer Crisis
Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions in the United States:
Over 5 million cases diagnosed annually
1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
More skin cancers diagnosed than all other cancers combined
One person dies from melanoma every hour
Early detection leads to 99% five-year survival rate for melanoma
Risk Factors That Require Regular Screening
High-Risk Individuals Should Seek Annual Screening:
Fair skin, light hair, or light-colored eyes
History of sunburns or excessive sun exposure
Family history of skin cancer or melanoma
Personal history of skin cancer
Many moles or atypical moles
Weakened immune system
Age over 50 (though skin cancer affects all ages)
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors:
Living in sunny climates or high altitudes
Outdoor occupations or frequent recreational sun exposure
History of tanning bed use
Previous radiation therapy treatments
What to Expect During Professional Skin Cancer Screening
Comprehensive Full-Body Examination
Your skin cancer screening at Advanced Dermatology includes:
Pre-Examination Consultation:
Review of personal and family medical history
Discussion of current skin concerns or changes
Assessment of risk factors and sun exposure history
Documentation of any new or changing moles or spots
Systematic Skin Examination:
Head-to-toe visual inspection of all skin surfaces
Use of specialized magnification and dermoscopy tools
Detailed examination of moles, freckles, and birthmarks
Assessment of areas often missed like scalp, between toes, and nail beds
Professional photography for tracking changes over time
Advanced Diagnostic Tools:
Dermoscopy: High-powered magnification reveals microscopic details invisible to the naked eye
Digital imaging: Creates baseline documentation for future comparisons
Mole mapping: Computer-assisted tracking of suspicious lesions
The ABCDE Method: What Dermatologists Look For
Professional screening focuses on identifying concerning characteristics:
A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half B - Border irregularity: Edges are notched, blurred, or irregular C - Color variation: Multiple colors or uneven color distribution D - Diameter: Larger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser) or growing E - Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or symptoms
When Biopsy is Recommended
If suspicious lesions are identified, our biopsy services provide accurate diagnosis:
Biopsy Indications:
Moles meeting ABCDE criteria
New growths in adults over 30
Lesions that bleed, itch, or won't heal
Any concerning changes identified by the dermatologist
Biopsy Process:
Local anesthesia for comfort
Minimal tissue removal for laboratory analysis
Professional pathology review
Detailed results explanation and treatment planning
Types of Skin Cancer and Early Detection
Melanoma: The Deadliest Form
Characteristics:
Can develop in existing moles or appear as new dark spots
Most dangerous form but highly treatable when caught early
Spreads rapidly to lymph nodes and organs if untreated
99% five-year survival rate with early detection
Common Locations:
Men: back, head, neck, and trunk
Women: arms and legs
Can occur anywhere, including palms, soles, and nail beds
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Most Common Type
Characteristics:
Slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body
Often appears as pearly bumps, red patches, or open sores
Most common on sun-exposed areas like face, ears, and neck
Nearly 100% cure rate with proper treatment
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Aggressive Potential
Characteristics:
Can spread to lymph nodes if left untreated
Appears as red, scaly patches or raised growths with central depression
Often develops on sun-damaged skin
Highly treatable with early detection and removal
Pre-Cancerous Lesions
Actinic Keratoses:
Rough, scaly patches caused by sun damage
Can progress to squamous cell carcinoma
Treated with topical medications or minor procedures
Important markers for skin cancer risk
Advanced Dermatology's Comprehensive Approach
Board-Certified Expertise
Dr. Monica Rani: Over 15 years of experience with dual board certifications in dermatology and internal medicine. Her extensive training and diagnostic precision ensure thorough, accurate screenings for all patients.
Dr. Stavonnie Patterson: Advanced medical expertise with specialized focus on bridging functional and cosmetic dermatology. Her evidence-based approach and clinical insight provide comprehensive skin cancer detection and treatment.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Technology
Our South Loop location features:
Advanced dermoscopy equipment for detailed lesion analysis
Digital imaging systems for precise documentation and tracking
Professional pathology partnerships for accurate biopsy results
Modern, comfortable examination facilities
Integrated Care Approach
Comprehensive Skin Health: We address both medical concerns like suspicious moles and aesthetic treatments, providing complete skin care under one roof.
Prevention Education: Beyond screening, we provide personalized guidance on sun protection, self-examination techniques, and lifestyle modifications.
Follow-up Care: Established tracking systems ensure appropriate follow-up scheduling based on your individual risk profile.
Self-Examination: Your First Line of Defense
Monthly Self-Check Protocol
Step-by-Step Self-Examination:
Face the mirror and examine face, neck, ears, and scalp
Check arms and hands, including palms and nail beds
Examine torso, both front and back using a hand mirror
Sit and examine legs and feet, including soles and between toes
Use a hand mirror to check areas difficult to see
What to Document:
Take photos of concerning moles for comparison
Note any new growths or changes in existing moles
Track symptoms like itching, bleeding, or tenderness
Schedule professional evaluation for any concerning changes
Red Flag Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention
Contact a dermatologist immediately if you notice:
A mole that changes color, size, or texture
A sore that doesn't heal within 2-3 weeks
A spot that bleeds, crusts, or becomes tender
A new growth that appears after age 30
Any skin change that concerns you
Skin Cancer Prevention Strategies
Sun Protection Best Practices
Daily Sun Safety:
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen applied every 2 hours
Protective clothing including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking fabrics
Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM)
Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect delicate eye area skin
Professional Prevention Support
Medical-Grade Sun Protection: Our ADAM skincare line includes dermatologist-formulated sunscreens and protective products designed for daily use.
Education and Guidance: We provide personalized sun protection strategies based on your lifestyle, skin type, and risk factors.
Regular Monitoring: Scheduled follow-up screenings ensure ongoing protection and early detection.
Understanding Screening Frequency and Timing
Recommended Screening Schedule
Annual Screenings for Most Adults: General recommendation for skin cancer prevention and early detection.
More Frequent Monitoring:
Every 3-6 months for high-risk patients
Every 6 months for those with personal history of skin cancer
As recommended by dermatologist based on individual risk assessment
Optimal Timing Considerations
Best Times for Screening:
After summer months when sun damage is most apparent
Before vacation seasons to establish baseline documentation
When you notice changes in existing moles or new growths
Preparation for Your Appointment:
Avoid self-tanning products for 2 weeks prior
Remove nail polish to allow examination of nail beds
Bring list of medications and supplements
Document any skin changes or concerns
FAQ About Skin Cancer Screening
How long does a skin cancer screening take?
A comprehensive full-body skin exam typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of moles and areas requiring detailed examination. Initial consultations may take longer to review medical history and discuss findings.
Is skin cancer screening covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover annual skin cancer screenings, especially for patients with risk factors. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify coverage and any requirements for referrals.
What happens if suspicious spots are found during screening?
If concerning lesions are identified, we may recommend a biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Most biopsies are simple office procedures with minimal discomfort. We'll explain all findings and next steps clearly.
Can I wear makeup during my skin cancer screening?
We recommend arriving with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, or other products to allow thorough examination. This helps ensure we can properly assess your skin's natural appearance.
How do I prepare for my first skin cancer screening?
Come with a list of any skin concerns, family history information, and documentation of any changes you've noticed. Wear comfortable clothing that's easy to remove and avoid self-tanning products beforehand.
Featured Snippet Summary
Skin cancer screening involves a comprehensive head-to-toe examination by a board-certified dermatologist using specialized tools like dermoscopy. Annual screenings are recommended for most adults, with more frequent monitoring for high-risk patients. Early detection leads to 99% survival rates for melanoma, making professional screening essential for skin health.
Protect Your Health with Professional Skin Cancer Screening
Don't wait for concerning changes to appear – proactive skin cancer screening is your most powerful defense against this preventable disease. At Advanced Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine, we make comprehensive skin cancer detection accessible, thorough, and comfortable for patients throughout Chicago.
Dr. Monica Rani and Dr. Stavonnie Patterson bring over 15 years of combined experience in skin cancer detection and treatment to every examination. Our state-of-the-art South Loop facility offers the advanced diagnostic tools and expertise you need, while our commitment to patient education ensures you understand your results and next steps.
Schedule your comprehensive skin cancer screening today and take control of your skin health. Early detection saves lives, and peace of mind is invaluable. Whether you're due for your annual screening or have specific concerns about changing moles or new growths, our team is here to provide the expert care you deserve.
New patients welcome! We accept most insurance plans and offer convenient scheduling in Chicago's South Loop. Your health is our priority – contact us today to schedule your screening and join thousands of patients who trust us with their skin health.
For comprehensive skin care that goes beyond screening, explore our medical esthetician services and learn about maintaining healthy skin year-round with professional guidance and medical-grade skincare products.
