Skin Cancer Screening and Care in Ellenwood, GA

At Bella Dermatology, we believe that full-body skin cancer screenings are a vital part of preventive healthcare. Our experienced dermatologists recommend that most adults receive a comprehensive skin examination at least once a year. However, the ideal frequency of screenings can vary depending on your individual risk factors.

If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, atypical or numerous moles, very fair skin, a history of significant sun exposure, or past use of tanning beds, you may need to be seen more often—sometimes every six months or as recommended by your provider.

In addition to professional exams, we encourage all our patients to perform regular self-examinations at home each month. Watch for any new or changing moles or spots, and contact Bella Dermatology promptly if you notice anything concerning.

During your visit, we’ll assess your risk factors and work with you to develop the most appropriate screening schedule for your unique needs.

Your visit at Bella Dermatology will begin with a discussion of your medical history, including previous skin issues, family history of skin cancer, sun exposure habits, tanning bed use, and any specific areas of concern you’ve noticed. This information helps us understand your unique risk factors and tailor your exam accordingly.

During the physical examination, your provider will ask you to change into a gown to ensure a complete head-to-toe evaluation. We respect your privacy and comfort throughout the process. Our dermatologists will carefully inspect all areas of your skin, including those that are hard to see on your own, such as your back, scalp, between fingers and toes, and, when appropriate, the genital area. We use specialized tools like a dermatoscope to closely examine any spots, moles, or lesions that appear unusual.

If we notice any areas that look suspicious—or if you point out spots that itch, bleed, or have recently changed—we may take photographs for future comparisons or recommend a skin biopsy. Our team performs biopsies using gentle, precise techniques to ensure your comfort and obtain accurate results.

After Your Exam
Once your skin cancer exam is complete, your provider will discuss the findings with you and answer any questions. If follow-up, treatment, or further testing is recommended, we’ll guide you every step of the way. We’ll also provide personalized advice for at-home skin self-exams and sun protection strategies to help you maintain healthy skin.

At Bella Dermatology, your skin health is our top priority. If, during your skin exam, our dermatology team finds a mole or lesion that appears suspicious—such as one with irregular color, shape, size, or other unusual features—we may recommend a skin biopsy. This important procedure helps us determine whether the area is benign or if it shows signs of skin cancer or another skin condition.

A skin biopsy is a straightforward process. First, we numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable. Then, we carefully remove a small sample of skin, which is sent to a specialized laboratory for analysis. There, a pathologist examines your sample under a microscope to provide a precise diagnosis.

Our providers will take the time to explain the biopsy procedure, discuss the reasons behind the recommendation, and answer any questions you may have about aftercare or what to expect from the results. We understand that medical procedures can feel overwhelming, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Skin biopsies are a vital tool for early detection and effective treatment of various skin conditions, including skin cancer. If your provider suggests a biopsy, it is because we are dedicated to ensuring your skin receives the best possible care.

At Bella Dermatology, we understand that waiting for biopsy results can be an anxious time for our patients. After your skin biopsy is performed, the typical wait time for results is usually between one and two weeks. This period allows our trusted laboratory partners to carefully process your tissue sample and for a skilled pathologist to examine it under a microscope.

In some straightforward cases, results may be available even sooner, especially if the laboratory is not experiencing any delays. However, if your biopsy requires special stains, additional tests, or consultation with other specialists, it may take a little longer—sometimes up to two or three weeks—to provide a comprehensive diagnosis.

As soon as your biopsy results are available, a member of the Bella Dermatology team will promptly reach out to you to discuss the findings and guide you through any recommended next steps.

Protecting your health begins with proactive care, and at Bella Dermatology, we make it easy to take that crucial first step with a comprehensive skin exam. Led by Dr. Terry Sharpe, MD, she specializes in thorough skin evaluations that can detect early signs of skin cancer, identify unusual moles or lesions, and address a wide range of dermatological concerns.

Regular skin exams are vital for everyone—no matter your age, skin type, or medical history—because many skin cancers and other conditions can develop without obvious symptoms. Dr. Sharpe brings years of clinical experience and utilizes advanced diagnostic technology to ensure your exam is both precise and comfortable.

By choosing Bella Dermatology for your skin health, you’re not only taking action to catch potential issues early—when they’re most treatable—but also gaining access to expert advice on keeping your skin healthy year-round. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1365 Rock Quarry Rd, Suite 300 Stockbridge, GA 30281. We serve patients from Stockbridge GA, McDonough GA, Jonesboro GA, Morrow GA, Ellenwood GA, Hampton GA, and surrounding cities.