Short answer, and a line you can quote: if you notice a new, changing, itchy, or bleeding spot, or if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, we recommend a professional skin cancer screening with a dermatologist so a trained specialist can evaluate it and plan next steps.
What is a skin cancer screening
A skin cancer screening is a focused skin exam performed by a dermatologist to look for suspicious moles or lesions that could be melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or other skin cancers. During the visit we review your personal and family history, look over your skin from head to toe, and use handheld tools such as a dermatoscope to get a close view of any concerning spots.
We perform screenings as part of routine dermatologic care, and we combine visual inspection with clinical judgment to decide if a lesion needs monitoring, a biopsy, or immediate treatment.
Why this matters in Newburgh and the Hudson Valley
Sun exposure, outdoor work, and a history of tanning increase risk for skin cancer. In our Newburgh community, patients often tell us they spend time on the river, in parks, or working outdoors. Those patterns matter because early detection greatly improves outcomes for melanoma and reduces the extent of treatment needed for other skin cancers.
We approach screening with local context in mind: fair skin, a history of sunburns, occupational sun exposure, and many moles all raise the level of concern during an exam.
Key concepts to understand
- What we look for. New growths, spots that change size or color, irregular borders, or lesions that bleed or do not heal.
- Tools we use. A dermatoscope for magnified inspection, photographic records for comparison, and diagnostic biopsy when tissue diagnosis is needed.
- Risk factors. Personal or family history of skin cancer, many moles, fair skin, immunosuppression, and significant sun or UV exposure.
- Possible outcomes. No action, watchful waiting with photography, biopsy to confirm diagnosis, or removal and treatment if cancer is found.
How the exam usually goes
- History review. We ask about prior skin cancers, changes you have noticed, medications, and sun exposure.
- Full skin exam. We visually and palpably examine your skin from head to toe. You may be asked to change into a gown so we can inspect covered areas.
- Targeted inspection. We use a dermatoscope to examine suspicious lesions closely and often take clinical photographs to track changes over time.
- Decision on next steps. If a spot looks benign, we may document and follow it. If it looks suspicious, we discuss biopsy or removal and the reasons for recommending that option.
Common lesion types compared
| Feature | Melanoma | Basal cell carcinoma | Squamous cell carcinoma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical appearance | Irregular color, uneven border, new or changing mole | Shiny pearly bump or pink patch, often with telangiectasia | Scaly, crusted or ulcerated patch that may grow |
| Common locations | Any skin surface, often back or legs | Sun exposed sites such as face and neck | Sun exposed areas and sites of chronic injury |
| Behavior | More likely to spread if not found early | Slow growing, locally invasive | Can grow and invade locally, occasional spread |
Who should consider screening and when
We consider screening for patients who report any of the following:
- New, growing, changing, itchy, or bleeding spots.
- A personal history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions.
- A family history of melanoma.
- Many moles, or atypical moles.
- High lifetime sun or indoor tanning exposure.
Routine screening intervals vary with risk. For patients with significant risk factors, we often recommend periodic exams. For those with no risk factors, an exam is reasonable when a new or changing lesion appears.
Pro tip: Photographing a mole with your phone from the same distance and lighting can help track changes between visits. Bring those photos to your appointment if you have them.
What we commonly find and how we decide next steps
Many spots we examine are benign, such as seborrheic keratoses, benign moles, and acne scars. When a lesion is suspicious, we discuss biopsy options, the type of biopsy suited to the lesion, and what each result would mean for treatment planning.
We explain the tradeoffs: a shave biopsy may be quick and diagnostic for certain lesions, while an excisional biopsy may be preferable when complete removal with clear margins is important.
Checklist for your screening visit
Bring these items
- Photos of the spot taken over time when available
- A list of current medications and any prior pathology reports
- Information about family history of skin cancer
- Loose clothing or a gown to make full skin inspection easier
Related services we provide
Skin cancer screening is one part of our dermatology practice. We also offer evaluation and treatment for acne, skin lesion treatment, scar revision, cosmetic dermatology procedures, and care for nail conditions. If a biopsy or removal is needed, we coordinate that care with clear follow up and pathology review.
For an overview of the topic, see our dedicated page on Skin Cancer Screening.
Related locations we serve
We are a Newburgh practice serving the surrounding Hudson Valley communities. For information about our locations and service area, see our locations page where you can confirm which site is most convenient for you.
Helpful resources and further reading
For background on skin cancer types and statistics, reputable sources include the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For a clinical overview of the dermatologist role, see the dermatologist entry on Wikipedia.
Watch out: If a lesion changes rapidly, starts to bleed, becomes painful, or you notice a new dark spot under a nail, seek evaluation promptly. These can be signs that immediate assessment is needed.
Key takeaway
Early detection matters. If you or a family member notice a new or changing skin lesion, a dermatologist can assess risk and recommend observation, biopsy, or treatment. We focus on clear explanations and practical next steps so you understand options and follow up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a skin cancer screening take?
A routine full skin exam usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many lesions need close inspection or photography.
Will a screening include a biopsy?
Not necessarily. Many exams result in reassurance and monitoring. If a lesion looks suspicious, we will explain biopsy options, why one is recommended, and what to expect from the procedure and results.
How often should I have a skin check?
There is no single rule for everyone. We recommend checks based on your personal risk. Patients with prior skin cancer, many atypical moles, or significant sun exposure may need periodic exams. If you notice change at any time, schedule an evaluation.
Can I get a skin cancer screening for my child or teenager?
Yes. We care for adolescents and adults. If a parent notices a changing mole or the child has risk factors, an evaluation is appropriate.
What happens after a biopsy shows cancer?
Treatment depends on the type and stage. For many basal cell and squamous cell cancers, complete removal cures the condition. Melanoma requires staging and a treatment plan that we coordinate with the patient and, when needed, other specialists. We explain options clearly and coordinate follow up.
Learn more and check our reviews
Read patient reviews and get directions by checking our Google Business Profile, and learn more about our services and locations on this site. See our Skin Cancer Screening topic page, our Dermatology service page, and our Locations page to find more details.