Making the Most of Your Visit to Your Skin Cancer Doctor

Where to Find Specialists in Albany, North Shore

Do you have an upcoming appointment with a skin cancer doctor? Regular exams are essential because early detection makes a significant difference in the outcome of skin cancer. Even if you are just going in for a routine full-body skin examination, there are some steps you can take so that you’ll know what to expect and be prepared to get the most out of your visit.

Before Your Appointment

Before you ever step foot into the doctor’s office, you should do a few things to prepare yourself for a productive visit. First, remove all fingernail and toenail polish. Skin cancer specialists must be able to see your nails and nail beds because skin cancers can originate in these locations. Next, perform a full-body self-exam, checking all areas of your skin from head to toe. Note any new, itching, changing or bleeding moles or other growths so that you can discuss these with your doctor. The person who is most likely to discover skin cancer on your body is you.

At the Exam

Skin exams themselves don’t take very long. A routine exam for a patient who has never experienced atypical moles only takes about ten minutes. If you have a lot of moles, the exam may take a little longer. Be sure to point out any moles or growths that you noticed when you performed your self-exam. Your doctor may want to biopsy them or any other moles they feel are suspicious. If you have never performed a skin self-exam, ask your doctor to show you how. It’s important to know where to look and what to look for. Often-overlooked spots include the soles of the feet, the areas between the toes, and the scalp. Also, be sure to ask any other questions you have and take notes you can refer to later.

Common Misconceptions about Moles

There is a lot of misinformation about what to look for and what constitutes a cause for concern when it comes to skin cancer. For example, just because a mole is raised does not necessarily mean it is dangerous. Likewise, an itching mole is not necessarily cause for alarm – some moles can become irritated and itch in response to being rubbed by clothing, for example. The bottom line is that only a trained skin cancer doctor performing specific tests can determine whether a mole is harmless or potentially dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to schedule regular skin exams with your doctor.

Where to Find a Skin Cancer Doctor in Albany

If you’re looking for a skin cancer doctor in Albany or on the North Shore, Northpoint Medical & Skin Centre can help. Our brand-new medical centre provides affordable care for patients of all ages with convenient after-hours appointments available. We do not charge extra for after hours, and you’ll never encounter any upfront registration fees.