A skin cancer screening is a head-to-toe skin exam by a dermatology provider, looking for spots that could be skin cancer or could turn into it. At Pensacola Dermatology, screenings are done by Dr. Amy Watson, MD, and our certified physician assistants at our office on Grande Dr. If something looks suspicious, we can test it and treat it here, so one practice follows you from the first exam to the last stitch.
Why Skin Cancer Screening Matters on the Gulf Coast
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five Americans will develop it by age 70. Living in Pensacola adds to the risk. We get strong sun most of the year, and boating, fishing, beach days, yard work and outdoor jobs add up to a lot of exposure over a lifetime.
Most skin cancers are very treatable when they are found early. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads but can damage the tissue around it if it is left alone. Squamous cell carcinoma can grow deeper and spread if it is ignored. Melanoma is the most serious type because it can spread to other parts of the body. A trained eye catches changes you can’t easily see yourself, like a spot on your back or scalp.
What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Exam
A screening visit is simple and painless. Most patients are surprised by how quickly it goes.
- History. We ask about your sun habits, past sunburns, tanning bed use, any skin cancer you or your family have had, and any spots that worry you.
- Exam. You change into a gown, and your provider checks your skin from scalp to soles, including areas people tend to miss: behind the ears, the scalp, between the toes, the palms, the soles of the feet and under the nails.
- Findings. Your provider explains what they see, whether that is a harmless mole, a precancerous patch or a spot that needs a closer look.
- Next steps. If a spot needs testing, we can take a small sample (a biopsy) and send it to a lab. You also leave with a plan for how often to come back.
You can help by arriving without nail polish and with makeup kept light, and by bringing a list of any spots that are new, changing, itching or bleeding.
What We Look For
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common skin cancer. It often shows up on the face, neck, scalp or arms as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat scaly patch, a sore that bleeds and reopens, or a shiny scar-like area.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common type. Look for a rough, scaly or crusted patch, a firm raised bump, a wart-like growth or a sore that won’t heal, usually on the face, ears, lips, neck, scalp or hands.
Melanoma
Melanoma can appear anywhere, including skin that rarely sees the sun, the palms, the soles and under the nails. Dermatologists use the ABCDE guide: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, more than one Color, a Diameter over 6mm, and Evolving size, shape or color.
Actinic Keratoses
Rough, sandpaper-like patches caused by years of sun. They are precancers: most stay harmless, but some can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, so we treat them early. Learn more about actinic keratosis treatment.
Who Should Get Screened, and How Often
Anyone can get skin cancer, but a yearly professional skin exam is especially worthwhile if you:
- Have fair skin, light hair or light eyes, or burn easily
- Have had blistering sunburns, or have used tanning beds
- Have many moles or moles with an unusual shape
- Have had skin cancer before, or have a close relative who has had melanoma
- Have a weakened immune system, for example after an organ transplant
- Work or spend a lot of free time outdoors
Your provider will recommend a schedule that fits your risk. Someone with a history of skin cancer is usually seen more often than someone with low risk. Monthly self-checks at home help between visits, but they don’t replace a complete exam by a dermatology provider.
If We Find Something
A suspicious spot doesn’t mean you have cancer. Many turn out to be harmless. When a lab confirms a skin cancer, we explain the result and your options in plain language. Depending on the type, size and location, treatment at our office may include surgical excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, cryotherapy, or topical or injected medicines. For cancers that call for Mohs micrographic surgery, which we do not perform we can refer you to a surgeon who does. See our skin cancer treatment page for details on each option.
Why Pensacola Patients Choose Us
- Experience. Dr. Amy Pote Watson is a medical and surgical dermatologist and a Pensacola native who founded the practice in 2004.
- A local team. Jennifer Matechik, PA-C, and Rachel LeMaitre, PA-C, are from Navarre, and Jonathan Adair, PA-C, is from Fort Walton Beach. Meet our providers.
- Diagnosis and treatment in one place. The exam, the biopsy and most skin cancer treatment happen in the same practice.
- Every age. We screen adults and also see children and teens through our children’s dermatology care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a skin cancer screening hurt?
No. A screening is a visual exam. If your provider recommends a biopsy, the area is numbed first, so most people feel only a brief pinch.
How long does a skin check take?
The exam itself is usually short. Plan a little extra time if you have questions or if a biopsy is needed during the visit.
Is a skin cancer screening covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and the reason for the visit. Check with your insurer, and see our Insurance & Billing page or call our office for help.
Can I get a mole checked at the same visit?
Yes. Point out any mole or spot that concerns you. If you want a specific mole looked at or removed, read about mole checks and mole removal.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening in Pensacola
Pensacola Dermatology is at 4850 Grande Dr, Pensacola, FL 32504. Call (850) 477-4447 or text (850) 821-3369. For coverage questions, see Insurance & Billing.
Early detection saves lives. Request an appointment for a full-body skin exam with Pensacola Dermatology.