Skin cancer screening
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Germany. The good news is that it can almost always be cured if detected early. At our GP practice, we specialise in Prevention and early detection of skin cancer We specialise in this area and carry out regular screenings.
at a glance: skin cancer screening
Why skin cancer screening?
More and more people in Germany are developing skin cancer every year. The most common cause is damage to the skin caused by excessive exposure to UV light (e.g. sunbathing or tanning beds). A combination of consistent sun protection and regular check-ups can help to minimise the risk of skin cancer. minimise the risk of illness.
Early detection examinations (screenings) can risk factors, precursors and early stages of skin cancer can be detected. This is crucial in order to minimise or even prevent severe progression with timely and targeted treatment. As a general rule, if skin cancer is recognised early, there is usually a very good chance of recovery.
The aim of screening is therefore to detect the precursors and early stages of three different types of skin cancer in good time:
- Basal cell carcinoma/basal cell carcinoma,
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Malignant melanoma (also known as „black skin cancer“)
Skin cancer screening: how the examination works
Skin cancer screening is Fast, uncomplicated and painless. As a rule, the examination takes no longer than 15 minutes, including pre- and post-test interviews.
Before the examination, your doctor will first enquire about your state of health, as well as any previous illnesses and risk factors. The preliminary consultation is followed by a physical examination, during which the entire skin is scanned for conspicuous changes. All areas of the body are examined using a special magnifying glass (dermatoscope), including the scalp, skin folds, lips and oral mucosa. This is because skin cancer can develop all over the body - not just in areas that are directly exposed to the sun.
The physical examination is followed by a follow-up consultation during which your doctor will discuss the results with you. If any abnormal skin changes are detected, we will discuss the next steps together and draw up a possible treatment plan.
To make the examination easier, you should avoid nail varnish (finger and toe nails), body jewellery, piercings, make-up and elaborate hairstyles (gel, hairspray, plaits) for the skin cancer screening.
Costs
From the age of 35, statutory health insurance companies cover the costs of a full dermatological check-up at least every two years. Anyone who would like to have their skin examined outside of this statutory screening can of course come to our practice for this. We charge around 50 euros for self-paying patients.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Team InnerMed:
Matthias Kress
We want you to feel that you are in good hands with us. Holistic, personal and trusting care is therefore particularly important to us. You can always rest assured that you are in competent and empathetic hands with our practice team led by family doctor Matthias Kress.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are here for you.
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About the author
Matthias Kress
Matthias Kress is a specialist in internal medicine, owner of the InnerMed group practice and medical director of the check-up centre.
His focus is on preventive medicine, structured check-ups and personalised medical check-ups.
He is responsible for the medical design, quality and further development of the check-up programmes as well as basic internal diagnostics, with the aim of identifying health risks at an early stage and providing patients with clear, comprehensible and long-term support.
More about qualifications and experience on the author page >
