Skin Cancer Screening

Skin Cancer Evaluations in Portland and Hillsboro

In the United States, there are over 5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year, which is more than cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and colon combined.  One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has been steadily increasing over the past 40 years.

Risk Factors of Skin Cancer

The cause of skin cancer is damage to the cellular DNA. The majority of the time this is induced by ultraviolet light, either from the sun or from tanning bed exposure. Those who are fair-skinned, have blonde or red hair, have a history of excessive sun exposure, and those who have used tanning beds are at increased risk of skin cancer. People whose immune systems are suppressed by medications, cancers, or organ transplantation experience higher rates of skin cancer as well.

What are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?

These are the three main types of skin cancer in order of prevalence:

How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

Early detection is key for all types of skin cancer.  At the Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery, we believe that regular full skin exams, at intervals appropriate to a patient’s age, risk factors, and family history, are vital in minimizing the incidence and harmful effects of skin cancer. All our providers are trained in dermoscopy, a method in which we use a tool to magnify and evaluate skin growths. Dermoscopy has quickly become the standard of care for differentiating benign skin growths from those that are potentially cancerous.  If you have a concerning growth, please schedule an appointment to have it evaluated by one of our skilled providers.