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Skin cancer screening that you can trust from an experienced specialist
While a cosmetic concern, spots on the skin are often harmless and do not pose a threat to your overall health. However, any changes in the look or feel of moles, “age spots,” and other lesions require the expertise of a specialist. Certain types of skin cancer, including melanoma, can look like benign spots. As a board-certified medical dermatologist, Dr. Huayi Zhang has considerable and focused training and experience to accurately diagnose your concern and changing spots. An accurate diagnosis at the office of Bluebonnet Dermatology in McKinney, Texas, is the first step to potentially stopping the spread of a cancerous lesion.
What are the noticeable differences between moles, age spots, and skin cancers?
For starters, it’s important to note that different types of skin cancer manifest in different ways. In general, you should regularly monitor your skin for changes. You should not ignore the following signs, which are often characteristic of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
- A misshapen spot, where one side does not mirror the other.
- A spot with scalloped borders that may be hard to define.
- Multi-colored, such as spots with a mix of tan, brown, black, white, red, and blue.
- Large, often bigger than a pencil eraser.
- Changes in their appearance and/or behavior (for example, they may suddenly start to itch or feel tender to the touch).
In general, concerning spots that may warrant further investigation are the “ugly ducklings” of the skin. They tend to stick out in some way from the rest of the skin. And they often stick out in a way that detracts from the even, attractive appearance of your skin, too. New spots and changes can occur anywhere, but are typically associated with those areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure.
How should I examine my skin?
We are happy to answer your specific questions about this during a professional skin cancer screening. We can advise on tips and suggestions specific to your situation and to address any challenge that you may have in regularly and effectively monitoring your skin. It’s important to be able to see hard-to-reach areas, so you’ll want to position yourself in front of a mirror to check spots on your back and the back of your legs. Take great care to check commonly overlooked areas, such as the forearms, palms, and the back of your upper arms. Again, skin cancer can develop anywhere, so be sure to examine your feet and toes, including your soles. Use a hand mirror to examine your neck, scalp, and backside. Enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to take a close look at hard-to-reach and hard-to-see areas. Do not wait for them to point out a concerning spot to you! Stay on top of changes and record them.
Why do I need a professional exam?
Dr. Zhang is uniquely qualified and trained in detecting skin cancers and other dermatologic anomalies. She also uses special tools such as a dermatoscope to take a closer look at any age spots, moles, or freckles that may be asymmetrical, irregularly bordered, blotchy, or growing. You can trust her high level of specialized expertise, which helps to ensure that no concerns go missed and that no potential pre-cancers or cancers are dismissed. It is not uncommon for our patients to have visited other medical professionals, only to be told that a cancerous spot was nothing to worry about. With Dr. Zhang’s knowledge, she can accurately distinguish between the benign and the cancerous and can also get patients on the road to health and healing with prompt and appropriate treatment as needed.
What if you find something concerning during a check?
Do not worry! We may take a small sample of tissue to rule out serious conditions like melanoma. This service is called a biopsy. It is a routine part of the process that allows us to further examine the area of concern. Bluebonnet Dermatology will contact you within a few days with the results. If you are due for a screening or are concerned about any changes in your skin, contact our McKinney office today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients from McKinney as well as the surrounding communities of Allen, Frisco, and Plano – call (469) 663-8838.
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Dr. Huayi Zhang
Dr. Huayi Zhang is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancers and other dermatological conditions across all skin types. Her educational journey includes a BA in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, an MS in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, and a medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, where she also completed her dermatology residency as Chief Resident.
Dr. Zhang is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and an active member of several medical associations. She is dedicated to advancing patient care through research, education, and compassionate treatment.
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