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Cancer Screening

Cancer Screening

Cancer Screening in Santa Barbara, CA

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer.  Fortunately, with early detection cures rates are very high. Dr. Keith Llewellyn offers a comprehensive cancer screening for residents of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California.

What is a Cancer Screening?

A cancer screening is a procedure that is performed to identify skin cancer and other concerns. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. People of all colors and races can get skin cancer. There are many different types of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of these, melanoma poses the greatest risk, as it is more likely spread to surrounding tissues and be life-threatening. Self skin exams and an annual full exam are recommended.

How Much Does a Cancer Screening Cost?

Cost can be discussed during your office visit. Cost will vary depending on what, if any, procedures are performed during your visit. If we are providers for your insurance, we can bill your insurance for most medical problems and surgical procedures. If you are self pay or we do not accept your insurance, we can provide you with a quote for an initial office visit cost over the phone prior to your appointment. This quote, however, does not include any procedures that may be advised and performed during your visit. See our financial policy for additional information. Our financing page discusses payment options. We accept cash and major credit cards.

What Are the Benefits of a Cancer Screening?

With early detection and proper treatment, skin cancers have a very high cure rate.  Cancer screening gives you the opportunity to have your skin cancer detected at an early stage.  With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate exceeds 95% for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Am I a Candidate for a Cancer Screening?

We recommend a cancer screening if you have:

  • Personal or family history of skin cancer or atypical moles
  • Moderate amount of sun exposure during your life
  • History of blistering sunburns
  • History of tanning bed use
  • Fair skin type
  • High numbers of moles
  • Notice changes to a mole or growth

What Should I Expect from a Cancer Screening?

Dr. Llewellyn and our physician assistant routinely perform the skin cancer screenings. Your skin is examine your entire body, from the scalp to the bottom of the feet. If a lesion suspicious for skin cancer or an atypical mole is found, we may take a biopsy.  To care for the biopsy site, simply use an antibiotic ointment and a bandage, similar to caring for a small scrape.  We often find and treat actinic keratosis (pre-cancers) by freezing them with liquid nitrogen during your full exam.  If a lesion is treated with liquid nitrogen, the lesion will become red, gradually swell, may blister and crust.  It eventually flakes off over one to two weeks. Antibiotic ointment can be used if any open sores develop.

Early detection is proven to significantly improve outcomes for skin cancer. Aloe Dermatology offers a cancer screening for residents of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, Solvang and the surrounding areas of California. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.