Skin Cancer Screenings & Mole Checks in Cumming & Dawsonville, GA

What We Look For During a Skin Check

A thorough skin check is a simple, painless examination focused on identifying signs that could indicate potential skin cancer. When you visit us, we look closely for certain characteristics, including:

• New or changing spots: Especially those rapidly growing, changing shape, or color.
• Irregular borders: Spots that have uneven, scalloped, or blurred edges.
• Multiple colors: Moles with varied colors or darker, uneven pigmentation.
• Bleeding, itching, or pain: Any mole or lesion causing discomfort, bleeding, or irritation.
• Non-healing sores: Spots or lesions that remain open, bleed, or crust over without fully healing.

We also follow the simple ABCDE method to evaluate moles—checking for Asymmetry, irregular Borders, uneven Color, larger Diameter, and Evolving characteristics.

What Happens If Something Looks Suspicious

Finding a suspicious mole or lesion does not automatically mean cancer. It simply indicates that a closer evaluation is necessary.

Our experienced clinicians will explain their concerns clearly and discuss appropriate next steps based on your specific situation.

• Monitoring: If the mole looks mildly unusual but not immediately concerning, we may recommend regular monitoring with scheduled follow-ups.
• In-office biopsy: If a biopsy is appropriate, we can often perform this simple procedure conveniently in our office. We’ll explain exactly how it’s done, what you can expect, and how to care for the area afterward.
• Referral to dermatology: When specialist evaluation is recommended, we will coordinate your appointment with a trusted local dermatologist and provide them with all relevant information from your exam.

Regardless of the approach, our team will keep you informed, coordinate care smoothly, and provide clear instructions on next steps.

What to Expect During a Skin Check

Knowing exactly what to expect during your skin check can ease anxiety and make your visit comfortable and straightforward. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Initial exam: We discuss your medical history, the specific spots you’ve noticed, and carefully examine your skin.
2. Assessment & plan: We’ll clearly explain our findings, reassure you if nothing is immediately concerning, or discuss monitoring, biopsy, or referral options.
3. Biopsy or referral (if needed): If an in-office biopsy or dermatologist referral is appropriate, we clearly explain this process and arrange the next steps for you.
4. Results & Follow-Up: We promptly communicate your biopsy or specialist visit results and schedule any recommended follow-up care.

Results and Next Steps

After your skin check, our commitment to your care continues. We provide biopsy results or specialist feedback through a convenient method such as a phone call, MyChart message, or follow-up appointment, depending on your preference and clinical necessity.

If results show no serious concerns, we’ll provide clear guidelines on monitoring and recommend timelines for future skin checks.

In the event of concerning findings, we’ll clearly outline next steps, coordinate additional specialist referrals, and provide supportive care through the entire treatment process.

Insurance and Referrals

Skin checks and mole evaluations are often covered by insurance, though coverage specifics may vary. At Cumming Family Medicine, we accept most major insurance plans. 

To confirm your particular coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly before scheduling your appointment.

If a specialist referral is necessary, our team handles coordination smoothly. We’ll ensure your dermatologist receives all relevant details from your visit, streamlining the process and easing your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get a skin check?
General recommendations suggest annual skin checks, but your provider may advise more frequent screenings based on your personal or family history, skin type, or other risk factors.

What changes should I watch for in a mole?
Pay close attention to any mole or skin lesion showing changes in size, shape, color, borders, or experiencing new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or pain.

Can you biopsy a mole in-office?
Yes, we offer in-office mole biopsies when clinically appropriate, allowing quick, convenient testing without additional visits.

Will you refer me to dermatology?
Yes. If specialist evaluation is needed, we’ll promptly coordinate your referral to a trusted dermatologist.

Is a skin check covered by insurance?
Skin checks are usually covered, but exact coverage varies. We recommend checking with your insurance provider directly.