At James River Dermatology, we recommend our patients have annual skin exams to detect any unusual skin changes or growths. Just as you visit other medical professionals on a regular basis, it is important to give that same level of care to your skin.

A regular skin check-up is one of the best ways to discover skin cancer early, which can tremendously improve the outcome of treatment. If you notice any suspicious moles, lesions, spots, or growths on your skin, it is important to give your dermatologist a call to schedule an appointment.

The benefits of a yearly skin exam include:

• Early detection of skin cancer
• Maintaining healthy skin
• Monitoring any unusual growths or lesions

What to Expect During a Skin Exam

We like to keep skin exams as easy and straightforward as possible. We take a careful look at your scalp, face, and body for any unusual or suspicious spots. Since most trouble spots will occur in areas that have been exposed to the sun, there is no need to remove undergarments during an exam. If you would like us to take a look at any particular area of concern, please let your dermatologist know.

We encourage our patients to come with any questions or concerns they may have. If there are certain areas that are concerning you, we will address them first. In certain cases, this will mean taking a small skin sample to send to the lab for a biopsy. Our office will inform you of the results quickly and let you know if additional visits are needed.

Schedule An Appointment

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It is important to take care of it and maintain its health. Beyond just looking good, it can affect your overall health. To schedule an appointment at either of our locations, give us a call at 804-379-0116.