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Skin Cancer Screenings

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Skin Cancer Screenings

In The San Francisco Bay Area

Skin Cancer Screenings in the San Francisco Bay Area

Annual or semi-annual skin cancer screenings at PotozkinMD Skin Care Center are the most effective way to prevent skin cancer before it happens to you. Whether you have a family history of skin cancer or are at high risk, our board-certified dermatologists will help you prevent skin cancer.

Treat and prevent skin cancer

Why are skin cancer screenings important?

It’s an extremely important and often-missed portion of healthcare to have your skin routinely checked by a board-certified dermatologist. What could seem like a small spot or a normal mole could in fact be a sign that something larger is going on and needs your attention.

When it comes to skin cancer, the single-most important factor is having early detection. The best way to give yourself the opportunity to detect any abnormalities early is to routinely perform self-checks on your skin as well as keep up-to-date with your yearly skin cancer screenings with your dermatologist. 

It’s imperative to note– there are certain types of skin cancer that will arise from pre-existing moles you may have gotten checked already in the past. Other types of skin cancer come from brand new spots or moles. 

What causes skin cancer?

Most types of skin cancer are due to genetics, but a big factor is the amount of sun exposure you are getting and the amount of protection that you are wearing. 

What happens during a skin cancer screening?

During your skin check, your dermatologist examines your skin from your toes all the way to your scalp using a dermatoscope that can help them view additional layers of the skin. Our dermatologists are trained to find any issues with the skin that could warrant the need for further exams or tests and are experts at providing treatments if needed.

Our team may ask you additional questions about your lifestyle and family history to get a full scope of your risk to the different types of skin cancer or other conditions. Though we recommend everyone have yearly skin exams, patients who are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer should schedule skin checks more frequently.

Don’t be afraid to ask our team questions either. We are happy to walk you through what to look out for when it comes to the appearance of potential skin conditions as we want our patients to stay informed and knowledgeable between yearly visits.

When detected and treated early, many types of skin cancer can be highly treatable. Discussing what to look out for with our team will help you become familiar with your body and what to look out for when it comes to changes you may see.

How can I perform a sufficient self-exam? 

Self-exams are very beneficial and necessary between yearly exams with your dermatologist. But they are limited, as you won’t be able to view certain areas of the body well. We recommend using a hand mirror to help you view those hard-to-see areas to the best of your ability. 

When examining your skin and trying to spot any potential abnormalities, it can be helpful to remember to use the ABCDE rule

If one or more of your skin lesions or moles fall under these categories, it’s important you visit your dermatologist immediately:

  • Asymmetry - If half of your mole is unlike the other side
  • Border - If the border of your skin lesion or mole is uneven, irregular, or scalloped
  • Color - If there are multiple colors in a single lesion or mole
  • Diameter - Spots larger than 6mm (this could be an early sign, but not always)
  • Elevation - If a mole that used to be flat has become raised

Our Philosophy

“Our practice philosophy is simple — to deliver the very best care we can in the very best way we can. To us, that means we make each and every patient feel welcomed from the moment that they walk in the door until they leave the office. It means that we listen to what the patient has to say and address those concerns. It means we give advice and recommend treatments based on our extensive training with leaders in the field, our wealth of personal experience, and our commitment to excellence. For our cosmetic patients, it means working with the patient to achieve results that look natural, not overdone or exaggerated. It means that we always strive to do the right thing for the patient, as we value very highly ethics, honesty, and integrity. It means we stand behind what we do and will do everything in our power to get the best results we can for the patient. It means we carefully select the highest quality staff to represent us and help us carry out these goals. Lastly and most importantly, it means that we treat the patient the way we would want ourselves to be treated, with respect and kindness. Because at the end of the day, without all of our loyal patients, we wouldn’t have a practice.”

Extremely caring

"He saved my life! Literally! I've been seeing Dr. Potozkin for over 20 years and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my skin. I had melanoma 20 years ago and he took care of me and just recently I had it again. And might have more, but I'm waiting on the results. But if I do, I am confident that Dr Potozkin and his highly trained staff will take care of me. He is the best in his field. Everyone on his staff is so caring and helpful. I feel so comfortable when I'm there. So please, if you have any skin concerns, make an appointment, don't delay, your life may depend on it."

Diane D.
Google Reviews

Friendly & ThoughtFul

"Dr. Potozkin is an amiable, thoughtful provider.  His expertise is evidenced by his ability to diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment or options to address the issue at hand.  His staff is always welcoming, friendly and helpful which makes for an overall great experience at each visit.  I highly recommend POTOZKIN MD Skincare Center if you are seeking an outstanding specialist and staff."

Marian O.
Google Reviews

Efficient & Professional

"Dr. Potozkin and his team are the best! My skin issues/problems have drastically improved since I have been coming to this Doctor-over 5, maybe even 10 years. His staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The office is a flagship store that sells my favorite skin repair and healing products- by SkinCeuticals. I don’t live near this office, but I would never go anywhere else even if it’s closer. Absolutely worth the trip. The results are real!"

Gretchen Z.
Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three main types of skin cancer?

I have a family history of skin cancer, what should I do?

How can I prevent skin cancer?

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With dozens of services, decades of experience, thousands of 5-star reviews, there's no one you can trust more with your skin care needs than the team at PotozkinMD.