Everyone should have a total body skin examination to check for skin cancers and precancerous lesions by the age of 30. Depending on your age, skin type, amount of sun exposure, family history of melanoma or atypical moles and other factors, Dr. Kayal may recommend an annual skin exam or more frequent examinations.
The first step of the skin cancer evaluation is a review of your family’s skin cancer history. Having a family history of malignant melanoma puts you at a slightly higher risk of developing melanoma in your lifetime.
The next step in the skin evaluation process is to look at the moles and new growths on your body. You should point out any new spots, spots that have grown or changed recently or any growths that bleed. After thoroughly examining your skin and asking you some pertinent questions, Dr. Kayal will advise you if he recommends removing any lesions.
If Dr. Kayal recommends a skin biopsy of the lesion, it may be done one of two ways; a shave biopsy or a biopsy excision. If a biopsy excision is recommended, you may be asked to schedule an additional appointment, depending on the size or location. Generally shave biopsies are done on the same day.
Both methods employ the use of a local anesthetic “xylocaine”. After gently numbing the skin with local anesthetic, Dr. Kayal samples or removes the lesion and it is sent to a reference laboratory specializing in dermatopathology for processing. Results are generally back in 5-7 days.
If you are interested in having a skin care evaluation, please call our office at 770-426-7177.
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141 Lacy Street, Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: (770) 426-7177
FAX: (770) 426-7745
Email: kayaldermatology@gmail.com
Mon-Fri: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
