Florida has the second highest rate of melanoma diagnoses in the United States. Living in Tampa means more UV exposure year-round than almost anywhere else in the country. Regular skin cancer screening isn't a luxury — it's essential preventive care.
Why Skin Cancer Screening Matters
Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the United States — more common than all other cancers combined. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news: when caught early, virtually all skin cancers are treatable and the vast majority are curable.
The problem is that many skin cancers don't look alarming early on. Melanoma — the deadliest type — can be small, flat, and easy to dismiss. By the time a lesion is obviously worrying, it may have already changed in ways that affect prognosis. Early detection through professional screening is how we close that gap.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
The right frequency depends on your individual risk factors. Here are general guidelines:
- Average risk adults — annual full-body skin exam starting around age 30, or earlier if you have significant sun exposure history
- History of sunburns or heavy tanning — annual exams starting earlier, ideally in your 20s
- Previous skin cancer diagnosis — every 6–12 months, depending on the type and stage
- Many moles (>50) or atypical moles — every 6–12 months with regular photography to track changes
- Family history of melanoma — annual exams starting 10 years before the earliest family diagnosis
- Immunocompromised patients (organ transplant recipients, HIV, chronic immunosuppressive therapy) — every 3–6 months
- Fair skin, red hair, lots of freckles — annual exams
What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Exam?
A full-body skin check at Sergay Dermatology is a thorough, head-to-toe evaluation of every inch of skin. Here's what to expect:
- Medical history review — Dr. Sergay will ask about your personal and family history, medications, and any spots you're concerned about.
- Gown and examination — You'll change into a gown. Dr. Sergay will examine your skin systematically, including the scalp, between the toes, under the nails, genitalia, and any other areas where skin cancer can hide.
- Dermoscopy — a specialized handheld device with magnification and polarized lighting used to examine suspicious lesions in detail. Dermoscopy significantly improves diagnostic accuracy compared to the naked eye alone.
- Spot documentation — any spots that need monitoring are photographed and noted for comparison at future visits.
- Biopsy if needed — if Dr. Sergay finds a lesion she wants to test, she'll perform a biopsy that day. This is a minor in-office procedure — a small amount of local anesthetic, followed by removal of a small skin sample. Results typically return within 1–2 weeks.
The entire exam typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of moles present and how many require evaluation.
Warning Signs: The ABCDE Rule
Between professional exams, it's important to do regular self-checks. The ABCDE criteria help identify potentially concerning moles and spots:
- A — Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other
- B — Border: Irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges
- C — Color: Multiple colors within the same lesion (shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue)
- D — Diameter: Larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) — though melanomas can be smaller
- E — Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or any new symptom (bleeding, itching, crusting)
If you notice any of these features, or a spot that just looks different from your other spots (the "ugly duckling" sign), don't wait for your annual exam — come in sooner.
Types of Skin Cancer We Screen For
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — most common; rarely spreads but can invade locally if untreated. Often appears as a pink, pearly bump or sore that doesn't heal.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — second most common; can spread if untreated. Often appears as a rough, scaly patch or firm red nodule.
- Melanoma — least common but most dangerous. Can arise in existing moles or new spots. Early detection is critical.
- Merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, and others — rare but important to catch.
Screening at Sergay Dermatology
Every full-body skin exam at Sergay Dermatology is performed by Dr. Amanda Sergay, MD — a board-certified dermatologist, not a physician assistant or medical student. Dermoscopy is included in every exam at no extra charge.
If you're in South Tampa and haven't had a full-body skin exam recently — or ever — it's time to book one. It takes less than 30 minutes and could save your life.
