Skin cancer screening is one of the most important preventive services in dermatology, with the potential to detect serious cancers in their earliest, most treatable stages. Early detection through professional screening often makes the difference between a simple office procedure and extensive cancer treatment, as most skin cancers are highly curable when caught early.
Dr. Zitelli provides comprehensive skin cancer screening services throughout Cincinnati, offering thorough head-to-toe examinations, advanced dermoscopy for detailed mole evaluation, and immediate biopsy capabilities to ensure rapid diagnosis and peace of mind for patients concerned about their skin health.
Not only provides excellent care but truly cares.
Thorough Full-Body Screening Examinations
Professional skin cancer screening involves systematic evaluation of your entire skin surface, checking areas you might never examine yourself and identifying subtle changes that could indicate early cancer development.
Complete Head-to-Toe Assessment
Comprehensive examination of all skin surfaces including scalp, ears, between toes, and other easily missed areas where skin cancers commonly develop
Advanced Dermoscopy for Mole Evaluation
Specialized magnification tools providing detailed visualization of mole structures and patterns invisible to the naked eye for accurate assessment
Digital Photography and Mapping
Documentation of concerning moles and spots for future comparison, allowing detection of subtle changes over time through serial monitoring
Risk Assessment and Family History Review
Personalized evaluation considering your skin type, sun exposure history, and genetic factors to determine appropriate screening frequency
Professional Mole Checks and Suspicious Lesion Evaluation
Expert mole evaluation goes beyond simple visual inspection, employing specialized techniques and experience to distinguish between benign spots and potentially dangerous changes requiring immediate attention.
ABCDE Rule Application
Systematic evaluation of Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter changes, and Evolution to identify concerning mole characteristics
Ugly Duckling Sign Recognition
Identification of moles that look different from others on your body, often indicating higher risk lesions requiring closer examination
Atypical Mole Assessment
Specialized evaluation of dysplastic or unusual moles that carry increased melanoma risk, determining need for removal or monitoring
New Growth Documentation
Careful attention to any newly appearing moles or spots, particularly those that grow or change rapidly, or develop symptoms such as bleeding or itching.
Immediate Biopsy Services and Rapid Diagnosis
When suspicious lesions are identified during screening, prompt biopsy capabilities ensure rapid diagnosis without delays that could allow cancer progression or cause patient anxiety.
Same-Day Biopsy Procedures
Immediate tissue sampling of concerning lesions using techniques appropriate for lesion type and location, minimizing patient visits and anxiety
Multiple Biopsy Techniques
Available Shave biopsies, punch biopsies, and excisional biopsies selected based on lesion characteristics to ensure adequate sampling for accurate diagnosis
Rapid Pathology Processing
Expedited laboratory analysis with results typically available within 1 to 2 weeks, followed by timely discussion of findings and treatment recommendations
Specialized Dermatopathology Review
Expert pathologist evaluation ensuring accurate diagnosis of challenging cases, with second opinion capabilities when needed for complex lesions
High-Risk Patient Monitoring and Surveillance
Patients with personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles, or other risk factors benefit from specialized surveillance protocols designed to catch new cancers at the earliest possible stage.
Dr. Zitelli develops individualized screening schedules based on your specific risk factors, typically recommending annual examinations for average-risk patients and more frequent monitoring for those with elevated risk. Digital mole mapping and photography enable precise tracking of changes over time.
Self-Examination Education and Early Warning Signs
Effective skin cancer prevention combines professional screening with educated self-monitoring, empowering patients to recognize concerning changes between appointments and seek prompt evaluation.
Learning to perform monthly self-examinations at home significantly improves early detection rates. Patients receive instruction on proper self-examination techniques, warning signs to watch for, and guidance on when changes warrant immediate professional evaluation rather than waiting for the next scheduled appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Screening
Most adults benefit from annual screening, while high-risk patients may need examinations every 6 months based on personal and family history factors.
Suspicious lesions are immediately biopsied, with pathology results typically available within 1 to 2 weeks. Treatment recommendations are then provided based on the findings, ensuring timely and appropriate care.
The examination itself is completely painless, involving only visual inspection and gentle palpation, though biopsy procedures involve minimal discomfort with local anesthesia.
Absolutely – always mention any spots that have changed, itch, bleed, or look different, as patient observations provide valuable information for evaluation.
Many insurance plans cover annual screening for high-risk patients, while others may require meeting specific criteria, which we can help determine during scheduling.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Serving Cincinnati, Ohio
Dr. Kristine Zitelli is a board-certified dermatologist serving the Cincinnati area, known for her expertise in treating a wide range of skin conditions. She completed her medical degree at Wright State University and dermatology residency at the University of Cincinnati, with additional advanced training at the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center. Her clinical focus includes thorough skin examinations, psoriasis, eczema, complex medical dermatology, surgical dermatology and cosmetic treatments using the latest technologies.
Dr. Zitelli has been named a “Top Doctor” in Cincinnati every year since 2016 as well as Cincinnati’s Top Dermatologist in 2020. She remains dedicated to educating the community about skin health and sun safety. Combining academic excellence, clinical research, and a compassionate approach, Dr. Zitelli delivers personalized, evidence-based care to every patient.
Schedule Skin Cancer Screening in Cincinnati
Early detection saves lives through professional skin cancer screening that catches dangerous changes before they become life-threatening. Dr. Zitelli’s comprehensive screening approach provides Cincinnati patients with thorough examinations, immediate biopsy capabilities, and expert evaluation that identifies skin cancers when they’re most treatable.
Schedule your skin cancer screening today to protect your health through early detection and professional monitoring that gives you confidence in your skin’s condition.
