Annual Skin Check in Bend, OR
Why Annual Skin Exams Matter
Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, often develops silently. Many people don’t notice a suspicious mole or lesion until it becomes painful, bleeds, or significantly changes in appearance. By then, treatment may be more complicated. An annual skin check with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Gerald Eugene Peters Jr. can help detect these concerns at their earliest—and most treatable—stages.
What to Expect During Your Skin Exam
Your annual skin exam is a simple, non-invasive process that typically takes less than 30 minutes. During the appointment, Dr. Peters will thoroughly examine your skin from head to toe, looking for:
- New moles or growths
- Changes in existing moles
- Unusual textures or colors
- Sores that won’t heal
- Any other irregularities
If any suspicious areas are found, we may recommend a biopsy for further evaluation.
Who Should Get Annual Skin Checks?
While everyone benefits from an annual skin exam, they are especially important if you:
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Have fair skin, light eyes, or freckles
- Spend a lot of time outdoors or use tanning beds
- Have a large number of moles or atypical moles
- Notice any skin changes that concern you
Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, particularly in the case of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.