Skin Cancer Screening & Diagnosis
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Each year, more than a million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the most common forms of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma — which together are known as nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Fortunately, there are ways to detect most nonmelanoma skin cancers early, when they are curable.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is not as common as the other major types of skin cancer but is much more serious. That makes early detection and treatment critical.
If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, including melanoma, or have noticed anything unusual, AtlantiCare’s primary care physicians are here to help. We offer comprehensive exams to assess any concerns or changes in your skin and can refer you directly to a dermatologist if needed.
To make your appointment, call 1-888-569-1000.
Diagnosing Skin Cancer
After examining your skin, your doctor may remove a small sample of tissue (skin biopsy) from any suspicious areas. You may also have imaging tests to examine nearby lymph nodes or an in-office procedure to remove a lymph node and test it for signs of cancer (sentinel lymph node biopsy).
If skin cancer is diagnosed, our specialists will use CT scans or other X-ray tests to determine the extent of the cancer. We use Roman numerals I through IV to indicate a cancer's stage. Stage I cancers are small and limited to the area where they began. Stage IV indicates advanced cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.