Skin Cancer Screening in Portland, OR
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Contact UsWhat Is Skin Cancer?
It can be alarming to receive any kind of cancer diagnosis, but individuals living with skin cancer have the added stress of worrying about how their appearance may be affected by treatments. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer in Portland, OR, or simply have a skin lesion, mole, lump, or bump you're concerned about, we are here to help you. Dr. Sean McNally at The Oregon Clinic and Réviance is skilled in performing biopsies and other treatments to diagnose and surgically address both benign and cancerous skin conditions. Our practice also offers reconstructive facial surgeries to optimize your cosmetic outcomes. Call one of our locations today to learn more about our work with skin lesion and skin cancer patients.
What Are the Benefits of A Skin Cancer Screening?
Whether you have a new growth, suspicious mole, or uncomfortable lipoma, Dr. McNally can evaluate and remove a wide range of benign and cancerous lesions. Skin lesion removal at The Oregon Clinic delivers numerous benefits to our patients in Portland, OR, such as:
- Removal of bothersome or unsightly benign skin lesions
- Removal of lipomas (fatty lumps beneath the skin)
- Identifying whether a mole or spot is precancerous or cancerous
- Diagnosing melanoma in the early phases
- Making skin cancer more manageable by addressing it promptly
- Prompt, office-based procedure
Am I A Candidate for A Skin Cancer Screening?
Skin cancer and benign skin conditions can affect men and women of all ages, regardless of skin type or tone, though lighter complexions are at a higher risk for skin cancer. Dr. McNally encourages patients to routinely check their skin for any unusual changes or new growths. If you notice a spot that itches, bleeds, or looks different over time, or if you have a lump or bump that is growing or causing discomfort, it's a good idea to schedule a consultation with Dr. McNally. Those with a personal or family history of skin cancer should consider annual check-ups to stay proactive about their skin health.
How Can Skin Cancer Be Addressed Surgically?
There are several removal and surgical treatments that might be recommended depending on the type and nature of your skin lesion. For benign lesions such as lipomas, cysts, or moles, a simple excision is often all that is needed. For cancerous lesions that have not spread significantly, a simple excision to remove the cancerous tissue may also be ideal. For more advanced cases, there is a procedure called Mohs surgery, in which cancerous growths are removed in thin layers and examined under a microscope to determine how healthy the tissue is. This technique allows us to slowly remove cancerous cells while sparing as much healthy skin as possible.
Reconstructive surgeries for skin cancer are tailored to fit each patient's individual needs, but most procedures involve rebuilding the skin using a patch taken from another part of the body (a skin graft) or nearby healthy tissues (a local flap). Dr. McNally will help you understand your options so that you can decide on an approach together. While reconstructive surgery might sometimes be done on the same day as your skin cancer surgery, it may be necessary to take some time to recover first. At The Oregon Clinic and Réviance, we have close relationships with primary care physicians, dermatologists, and surgical oncologists all over the Greater Portland, OR area and will work with your doctor to ensure a smooth care transition.
Skin Cancer Screening Reviews
Dr. McNally is a charming man with impeccable surgical talents. He was recommended to me by my doctor as a skillful plastic surgeon, and successfully removed a malignant melanoma from a difficult spot. I cannot recommend Dr. McNally more highly.
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What to Expect Following Skin Cancer Screenings?
After your lesion removal, our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. The treated area may experience some minor soreness, redness, or swelling, which is completely normal. If a biopsy was performed, results are typically available within a few days, and our team will reach out to discuss any findings with you. We'll also advise you on follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns. It's important to keep the area clean and protected, avoiding direct sun exposure until fully healed.
Does Insurance Cover Skin Cancer Screenings?
Coverage for skin lesion and lump removal varies depending on your insurance plan and whether the procedure is considered medically necessary. This often means you have a specific concern, a suspicious mole, or a personal/family history of skin cancer. Removal of benign lesions that are purely cosmetic may not be covered, while removal of painful lipomas, suspicious moles, or cancerous lesions often is. It's always best to check with your insurance provider beforehand to understand your specific coverage, including any co-payments or deductibles that might apply. Our team at The Oregon Clinic can also assist you in navigating insurance questions to ensure you receive the care you need.
Learn More About The Oregon Clinic - Portland
About UsLet Us Help You
Dealing with skin lesions, lumps, bumps, or skin cancer can be stressful — both physically and mentally — but rest assured that the dedicated teams at The Oregon Clinic and Réviance are ready and able to help you. Using a combination of techniques, most of which can be performed in the comfort of our office, we can help remove unwanted or harmful skin growths or repair some of the damage inflicted by skin cancer. Call our Portland, OR plastic surgery office to request a consultation with Dr. McNally.
Skin Cancer Screening FAQs
How can I recognize signs of skin cancer between screenings?
When it comes to checking for potential signs of skin cancer, it helps to remember the "ABCDs" — Asymmetry, Border, Color, and Diameter. Cancerous moles may show up in an abnormal way where one side isn't the same the other. They could likewise have jagged or obscure borders or appear uneven in color with numerous shades of brown, tan, or black. On top of that, they are typically greater than six millimeters in width.
When should I schedule a skin cancer screening?
Even though it is recommended to obtain a screening one to two times yearly, it may also be necessary to have one if you discover any changes or idiosyncrasies in lesions or moles. Early diagnosis is crucial when it comes to successfully treating skin cancer, which is why we urge you to schedule a screening at the first sign of abnormalities. If you are worried that a lesion or mole may be malignant, it's a smart plan to schedule an initial appointment at our Portland, OR location.
When is it necessary to have a biopsy done?
During your appointment, Dr. McNally will carefully examine any growths or lesions to determine if anything looks out of the ordinary. If something looks like it has the potential to be malignant, then he may perform a biopsy to verify the presence of cancer. Very few cancers are clearly classified by simply viewing them.
Are skin cancer screenings painful?
A visual skin cancer screening is a non-invasive and painless process. If a biopsy is necessary, the area will be numbed, so you should feel minimal discomfort. You may experience minor soreness or redness at the biopsy site afterward.
What surgical treatments are available for skin cancer?
Dr. McNally may recommend a simple excision to remove the cancerous tissue. For more complex cases, he may perform Mohs surgery, where cancerous growths are removed in thin layers to spare as much healthy skin as possible. Your specific treatment plan will be determined after a thorough evaluation.
How long does it take to get biopsy results?
After a biopsy is performed, you can typically expect to receive the results within a few days. Our team will contact you as soon as they are available to discuss the findings. We will then schedule a follow-up appointment in Portland, OR, to review the next steps in your care plan.