Summer in Reno and Lake Tahoe means more sun exposure than almost any other season, between lake days, hiking, and time on the golf course at altitude where UV exposure runs higher than at sea level. September, right after that exposure has piled up, is one of the best times of year to get a professional skin check.

Reno Tahoe Dermatology recommends an annual full-body skin exam for most adults, and fall is a great point to schedule one, before the changes of a busy summer fade from memory and before winter clothing starts covering up spots worth a second look.

Northern Nevada’s Elevation Increases Skin Cancer Risk

UV exposure increases with altitude, and Reno and Lake Tahoe sit high enough that the difference is significant. Combine that with roughly 300 days of sunshine a year and an outdoor culture built around lake time, skiing, and mountain trails, and Northern Nevada residents accumulate more UV exposure over a lifetime than most parts of the country.

That risk applies even on cloudy or cooler days, since UV rays pass through cloud cover and reflect off snow, water, and light-colored surfaces at elevation.

What to Look for Between Professional Skin Cancer Screenings

Dermatologists use the ABCDE method to evaluate whether a mole or spot needs a closer look.

• Asymmetry, where one half of a mole looks different from the other
• Border irregularity, with edges that are ragged, notched, or blurred instead of smooth
• Color that varies within the same spot, including shades of brown, black, red, or white
• Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, roughly 6 millimeters
• Evolving size, shape, or color over weeks or months

What Happens During a Professional Skin Cancer Screening

A full-body skin cancer screening takes a close look at every area of skin, including spots that are easy to miss on your own, like the scalp, back, and between the toes. If something looks suspicious, our providers can biopsy it on the same visit rather than sending you home to wait for a second appointment.

Most screenings take about 15 to 20 minutes, and for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, we often recommend checking in more frequently than once a year.

When a Mole Needs Attention Right Away

Not every unusual mole is dangerous, but certain changes are worth getting looked at sooner rather than waiting for your annual visit. Our moles and melanoma team evaluates new or changing spots regularly, and catching melanoma early is one of the biggest factors in how treatable it is.

For patients who are diagnosed with certain types of skin cancer, GentleCure offers a non-surgical radiation treatment option that avoids the scarring and downtime of traditional excision, which is worth asking about depending on the location and type of the lesion.

Reno Tahoe Dermatology: Skin Cancer Screenings in Reno & Lake Tahoe

If it has been more than a year since your last skin check, or you have a spot that has changed shape, size, or color, do not wait for a symptom to force the issue. Our medical dermatology team serves patients throughout Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe with same-practice access to biopsies and treatment when something needs a closer look. Contact us to schedule your fall skin check.