Skin Cancer Surveillance

Elite Dermatology & The Oaks Plastic Surgery

Dermatologists located in River Oaks, TX & Heights, TX

According to the National Skin Cancer Foundation, around one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. At Elite Dermatology, with offices in Houston, Fulshear, Kingwood, Vintage Park, Pearland and the Heights, TX, the experienced group of skincare specialists are aware of the dangers of skin cancer and provide comprehensive annual skin cancer screenings and valuable education for men, women, and children in the surrounding communities. An annual skin cancer screening should be a key part of your preventive healthcare to protect your skin and help your Elite doctor to catch any signs of cancer early. If you have concerns about your skin and are due for a screening, call or use the online booking tool.

Skin Cancer Q & A

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells caused by DNA mutations that prompt rapid growth and a mass of cancer cells. People of all skin tones and all ages can develop skin cancer, and it can show up on different body parts.

What are the different types of skin cancer?

There are different types of skin cancer. The area where your skin cancer starts determines the type and the right treatment options.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma usually shows up as a flat lesion with a scaly surface or a red, firm nodule on the areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, but it rarely spreads and grows slowly. It also typically appears on sun-exposed areas of your skin, like your neck and face. It appears as a waxy bump or a flesh-colored flat lesion.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a skin cancer that can happen anywhere on your body either on normal skin or in a mole that becomes cancerous over time. Melanoma often shows up on the trunk, face, or lower legs as a mole that changes in color and size and bleeds or a large spot that’s brown in color with darker speckles.

Melanoma can show up in a small lesion with an unusual-looking outline and different color patterns, such as blue, bluish black, red, or white.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

There are a variety of risk factors for skin cancer, such as:

Moles
Having fair skin
Excessive sun exposure
Certain toxic substances
A weakened immune system
Excess exposure to UV radiation
Having a family history of skin cancer

Why should I get an annual skin cancer screening?

An annual skin cancer screening allows your Elite doctor to check for any suspicious or abnormal moles or bleeding lesions in a visual inspection and physical examination. Full-body or partial screenings are available depending on your individual needs.

A skin cancer screening is an integral part of your overall preventive care. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, more frequent skin cancer screenings are recommended.

A biopsy can be used to determine the specific subtype of skin cancer. Skin cancer can be treated with:

Radiation
Cryotherapy
Chemotherapy
Surgical excision
Referral for lymph node removal
Other medications and prescription topical creams

If you’re due for your screening, call or conveniently schedule online.

Elite Dermatology has 4 convenient locations in Texas. We happily treat patients in Houston, Fulshear,
Kingwood, Vintage Park, and the Heights.

What we offer