Skin Cancer Screening in Prairie Village, KS

What Doctor Checks for Skin Cancer?

A dermatologist is the type of physician who evaluates moles, lesions, and other skin changes for signs that may be associated with skin cancer.

People searching what doctor checks for skin cancer should look for a board-certified dermatologist with experience evaluating suspicious lesions and coordinating biopsy and treatment when needed.

Patients researching Dr. Tarantino dermatologist can learn more about his education, dermatology training, Mohs fellowship, and professional background through meet Dr. Tarantino and our providers.

Why Skin Cancer Screenings Matter

Skin cancer can appear in many forms, and some suspicious lesions cause few or no symptoms at first. A professional skin exam may help identify changes that are difficult to see or evaluate at home.

Earlier evaluation can be important because treatment decisions often depend on:

• The type of skin cancer
• The size and depth of the lesion
• Its location on the body
• Whether it has returned after prior treatment
• The patient’s overall health
• Pathology findings

A screening cannot prevent skin cancer or guarantee early detection, but it can support timely evaluation when a concerning change is present.

Signs That Should Be Evaluated

Schedule a dermatology visit if you notice:

• A new mole or growth
• A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
• A spot with an irregular border
• A lesion with multiple or uneven colors
• A sore that does not heal
• A spot that bleeds, crusts, or repeatedly scabs
• A scaly or rough patch
• A rapidly growing bump
• A tender, painful, or itchy lesion
• A spot that looks different from your other moles

There is no single time-based rule that applies to every lesion. New, changing, bleeding, or nonhealing spots should be evaluated rather than monitored indefinitely.

The ABCDE Warning Signs of Melanoma

The ABCDE guide can help patients recognize changes that may warrant professional evaluation.

Asymmetry

One half of a mole or lesion does not match the other half.

Border

The edges may appear irregular, blurred, notched, or poorly defined.

Color

The spot may contain uneven shades of brown, black, red, white, blue, or other colors.

Diameter

Larger lesions can be concerning, although melanoma may also be smaller than the size commonly used in screening guides.

Evolving

The spot changes in size, shape, color, elevation, sensation, or overall appearance.

The ABCDE guide is useful, but not every skin cancer follows this pattern. A lesion can still need evaluation even when it does not match all five signs.

Who Should Consider a Skin Cancer Screening?

A screening may be appropriate for adults with:

• A personal history of skin cancer
• A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• Numerous or atypical moles
• Fair skin or a tendency to burn
• A history of blistering sunburns
• Past or current tanning-bed use
• Significant cumulative sun exposure
• A weakened immune system
• A history of organ transplantation
• A new or changing skin lesion
• A recommendation from another healthcare provider

Adults without known risk factors may also schedule an exam when they have a specific concern or want to discuss an appropriate screening schedule.

How Often Should You Get a Skin Cancer Screening?

Screening frequency should be individualized. Some patients may benefit from annual exams, while those with a prior skin cancer, numerous atypical moles, or other elevated risk factors may need more frequent visits.

Patients at lower risk may be advised to follow a different schedule. A new or changing lesion should be evaluated between routine appointments rather than waiting for the next planned exam.

Your dermatologist can recommend a follow-up interval based on your history, risk factors, and examination findings.

What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Exam?

Before the Exam

Your provider may ask about:

• Previous skin cancers
• Prior biopsies
• Family history of skin cancer
• Tanning-bed use
• Significant sun exposure
• Medications that affect the immune system
• Specific lesions you want examined

Bring photographs or notes if you have been tracking a changing spot.

During the Exam

A full-body skin exam generally involves a visual review of the skin from head to toe. Depending on your history and concerns, the examination may include:

• Scalp
• Face and ears
• Neck
• Chest and abdomen
• Back
• Arms and hands
• Legs and feet
• Nails
• Areas usually covered by clothing when clinically appropriate

You may be asked to change into a gown so the provider can examine areas that are not normally exposed. A handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope may be used to examine selected lesions more closely.

After the Exam

The provider will explain any findings and may recommend:

• Routine self-monitoring
• Clinical photography
• A follow-up exam
• A biopsy
• Treatment for a benign condition
• Further evaluation of a suspicious lesion

How Long Does a Skin Cancer Screening Take?

The length of the visit varies according to the number of lesions being examined, personal history, and whether additional procedures are needed.

A straightforward screening may be completed during a standard dermatology appointment. The visit may take longer for patients with numerous moles, a history of skin cancer, multiple concerns, or a biopsy performed during the same appointment.

What Happens If a Suspicious Spot Is Found?

When a lesion appears suspicious, the provider may:

1. Examine it more closely with dermoscopy.
2. Compare it with nearby moles or prior photographs.
3. Recommend clinical monitoring.
4. Perform or schedule a biopsy.
5. Send the tissue sample to a pathology laboratory.
6. Review the results and discuss next steps.

A same-day biopsy may be possible when clinically appropriate and scheduling allows, but it should not be assumed for every visit.

Learn more about mole checks and biopsies and how suspicious lesions are evaluated.

Skin Biopsy and Diagnosis

A skin biopsy removes a small sample of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. Local anesthetic is generally used to numb the treatment area.

The biopsy technique depends on the lesion’s size, location, appearance, and suspected diagnosis. After the sample is collected, the patient receives wound-care instructions while pathology results are pending.

A biopsy is the step that helps confirm whether a lesion is benign, precancerous, or cancerous. Additional information is available through our skin cancer diagnosis and biopsies page.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer that often develops on sun-exposed areas. It may appear as:

• A pearly or translucent bump
• A sore that does not heal
• A pink patch
• A scaly area
• A lesion that bleeds easily

Treatment depends on the cancer’s size, subtype, location, and whether it has been treated before.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:

• A scaly or crusted patch
• A firm bump
• A tender lesion
• A rapidly growing spot
• A nonhealing sore

Some squamous cell carcinomas carry a greater risk than others. Pathology findings, location, depth, size, and patient health help guide treatment.

Melanoma

Melanoma may develop within an existing mole or appear as a new lesion. It can vary in color, size, and appearance.

Prompt diagnosis is important because treatment planning depends on the lesion’s depth, stage, location, and other pathology features. Patients can review additional information about melanoma treatment.

When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?

Mohs surgery is a specialized technique that removes skin cancer in stages while examining the tissue margins during the procedure.

It may be considered for selected basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas when the cancer:

• Is located on the face, ears, scalp, hands, feet, or another tissue-sensitive area
• Has returned after previous treatment
• Has poorly defined borders
• Is large or aggressive
• Occurs in a patient with certain elevated risk factors
• Requires tissue preservation

Mohs surgery is not necessary for every skin cancer. The recommendation depends on the diagnosis, subtype, location, size, prior treatment, and patient factors.

Learn more about Mohs surgery at Precision Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center.

Treatment Options After a Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Treatment is based on the cancer type, stage, size, location, and pathology findings. Options may include:

• Standard surgical excision
• Mohs surgery
• Curettage and electrosurgery
• Topical medication for selected superficial cancers
• Other office-based procedures
• Referral for additional specialty care when needed

Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient or lesion. Review our skin cancer treatment options for a broader overview.

Reconstructive and Follow-Up Care

Some skin cancers require repair after surgical removal, especially when the lesion is located on the face, nose, eyelid, ear, lip, or another functionally or cosmetically sensitive area.

Repair planning depends on the size and shape of the surgical wound, tissue availability, and the goals of preserving function and supporting healing. Follow-up care may include wound checks, scar monitoring, skin surveillance, and guidance on reducing future sun exposure.

Why Choose Precision Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center?

Precision Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center provides skin cancer screening, diagnostic evaluation, biopsy coordination, and treatment planning from one Prairie Village dermatology office.

Dr. Tarantino’s background includes:

• Board certification in dermatology
• Fellowship training in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology
• Training in Mohs surgery and facial reconstruction
• Experience evaluating and treating skin cancer
• Leadership roles in regional dermatology organizations

These credentials support informed clinical care, but no screening or treatment can guarantee a specific result.

What Should You Look for in a Skin Cancer Clinic?

Patients asking what are the best skin cancer clinics for early diagnosis and care? should compare objective factors rather than rely on promotional claims.

Consider whether the practice offers:

• Board-certified dermatology care
• Thorough skin examinations
• Biopsy services or coordinated pathology testing
• Clear communication about results
• Access to surgical and nonsurgical treatment options
• Mohs expertise when clinically indicated
• Follow-up and post-treatment care
• Transparent insurance and scheduling information

A suitable clinic should also explain when another specialist or treatment setting may be more appropriate.

Skin Cancer Screening Near Me

Patients searching for a skin cancer screening near me can visit Precision Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center at:

Precision Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center
9009 Roe Ave
Prairie Village, KS 66207

Our office is centrally located for adults from:

• Prairie Village, KS
• Overland Park, KS
• Leawood, KS
• Mission, KS
• Fairway, KS
• Mission Hills, KS
• Westwood, KS
• Roeland Park, KS
• Nearby Kansas City communities

A person searching for a dermatologist near me should confirm the office location, provider credentials, insurance participation, and availability before scheduling. Precision Dermatology has one office location in Prairie Village and does not imply additional offices in surrounding cities.

Insurance and Appointment Information

Coverage for a skin cancer screening depends on the insurance plan, reason for the visit, and services provided. A medically necessary lesion evaluation may be covered differently from a routine preventive exam.

Patients should be aware that:

• Office visits may be subject to a copay, coinsurance, or deductible.
• A biopsy may generate an additional procedure charge.
• Pathology laboratory services may be billed separately.
• Coverage varies by plan.
• Prior authorization may be required for some services.

Review patient information and contact your insurance carrier for plan-specific details.

How to Prepare for Your Skin Cancer Screening

Before your appointment:

• Make a list of changing or concerning spots.
• Bring photographs showing how a lesion has changed.
• Note any personal or family history of skin cancer.
• Bring your medication and insurance information.
• Remove heavy makeup when facial lesions need evaluation.
• Remove nail polish when a nail concern needs examination.
• Wear clothing that is easy to change out of.
• Avoid self-tanning products before the exam when possible.

Do not delay an appointment because you are unable to complete every preparation step.

Skin Cancer Prevention and Self-Checks

Professional screening is one part of a broader skin health plan. Risk-reduction steps may include:

• Using broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Reapplying sunscreen as directed
• Wearing protective clothing and a hat
• Seeking shade
• Avoiding tanning beds
• Checking your skin regularly
• Photographing selected moles for comparison
• Scheduling an evaluation when a spot changes

Self-checks do not replace professional evaluation, and screening does not replace daily sun protection.