Derma + Co. Private Practice.
CLASSICAL DERMATOLOGY.
If skin cancer or its precursors are detected early, it is possible to treat it gently and successfully. That is why we offer you the latest screening procedures with immediate diagnostics as part of regular skin cancer screening in our practice in Hamburg.
The skin is the largest human organ and can be examined quickly and effectively. In the case of pigmented changes, we can easily clarify whether it is, for example, a harmless age spot or mole caused by years of sun exposure.
In our practice, the regularly recommended preventive examinations for skin cancer are carried out using modern reflected light microscopes and computer-aided documentation. This is also known as digital reflected light microscopy.
Using digital reflected light microscopy, we can detect even the smallest changes in the skin that would be missed by the naked eye. In addition, in our dermatology practice we use innovative video analysis with Intellimago, which enables us to digitally document moles and other skin changes and also receive a direct risk assessment.
In this way, we can compare this precisely with your current skin condition during subsequent preventive examinations and ensure complete follow-up. We can also decide more precisely whether a skin lesion needs to be removed or, in the best case, not.
Skin cancer screening process
Skin cancer screening is an uncomplicated and painless examination. For a thorough examination, it is necessary that all areas of the skin, including hidden areas, be carefully inspected. This usually means you have to undress down to your underwear. The process takes place in the following steps:
Medical history: A thorough interview about personal and family risk factors for skin cancer.
Reflected light microscopy: A special microscope is used to examine skin changes, such as pigment spots and precursors, in magnification.
Skin Inspection: Your skin, including your scalp and body, will be carefully examined. You will be asked to undress down to your underwear so that all areas of skin can be examined.
Discussion of the results: After the examination, the findings will be discussed with you and further steps will be recommended if necessary.
We are aware that such an investigation can be a very personal and sometimes sensitive topic. That's why we attach particular importance to proceeding with a lot of empathy and respect. Our entire team ensures that you always feel well looked after and comfortable in our practice. We create a trusting atmosphere in which your privacy is protected. If you feel uncomfortable or have any questions, we will take the time to discuss any concerns and reassure you. Your health is our top priority and we want you to feel completely safe throughout the entire examination.
The recommended frequency of examinations depends on your individual skin cancer risk, which we as dermatology specialists determine for you. Your risk of skin cancer is influenced by several factors, such as your genetics, skin type, frequent sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer. If you wish, we will be happy to remind you of your next preventative care appointments.
As part of our digital skin cancer screening, we detect suspicious skin changes using a high-resolution skin analysis system. If a mole is identified as suspicious during the digital skin cancer screening, we will discuss the next steps with you individually. In many cases, we recommend close, digital follow-up monitoring first – this involves regularly documenting the mole using high-resolution images and checking for changes.
Depending on the findings, close monitoring may be advisable: We document the affected mole again at set intervals using so-called "skin clips." Digital follow-up allows us to detect even minimal changes early on – long before they would be visible to the naked eye. This precise observation increases safety and prevents unnecessary interventions.
However, if the abnormality meets criteria indicating a risk of skin cancer, surgical removal (excision) may be appropriate. The removed tissue is then examined histologically to make a definitive diagnosis. This procedure is performed directly on-site at our private dermatology practice in Hamburg – safely, quickly, and under local anesthesia.
