Skin Checks and Mole Biopsies

Yearly mole checks and skin cancer screenings are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Ogden Clinic dermatologists have the training and experience to detect the various types of skin cancer and precancerous growths such as actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most common and most deadly type of skin cancer.

With early detection, precancerous growths can be removed and even skin cancer is very treatable. Often times, precancerous skin cells may simply look like a scab or a new mole. Skin cancer can appear in places that are hard to see or places we least expect. The reason a skin check is so valuable is because changes on our skin often go unnoticed or we don’t pay much mind to them.

Ogden Clinic dermatologists encourage all patients to perform their own skin checks regularly in addition to a professional examination. For instructions on how to perform a skin check and evaluate skin changes, refer to the infographics below from the American Academy of Dermatology:

If you notice a spot of skin that is unusual in texture or appearance, make an appointment at either our Ogden or Bountiful office. If a part of your skin has recently changed, itches, or bleeds, these are also situations that should be evaluated.