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The Importance of Skin Cancer Screening
Due to changing lifestyle habits and increasing life expectancy, the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer is rising significantly.
"Non-Melanoma" vs. "Melanoma" Skin Cancer
"Non-melanoma skin cancer" (often referred to as white skin cancer) is distinguished from "melanoma" (black skin cancer), which is significantly more aggressive. While non-melanoma skin cancer almost always grows locally, melanoma can spread relatively quickly to other organs if not detected and surgically removed at an early stage.
For melanoma, the main risk factors include genetic predisposition (a family history of melanoma), a high number of moles, and intense sun exposure during childhood. In contrast, the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer increases with cumulative lifetime UV exposure and depends heavily on skin type. Individuals with Fitzpatrick Skin Type I (fair skin, blonde or red hair, blue eyes) are particularly vulnerable, as are those with high occupational or recreational sun exposure.
Regular skin cancer screenings (covered by most German statutory health insurance funds every two years) allow skin cancer and precancerous lesions to be detected and treated early. During your screening, we will also advise you on what signs to watch for during self-examinations. If you notice any changing or suspicious lesions, you should schedule an evaluation even between routine check-ups. For high-risk patients (e.g., individuals taking immunosuppressive medications following an organ transplant), screening at shorter intervals is recommended.
For patients with numerous moles or an elevated risk profile, we offer digital dermoscopy (video dermoscopy). This technology captures and stores high-resolution, magnified images of your skin lesions on screen. It allows for precise comparative tracking over time, making it easier to monitor critical or evolving moles safely.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer and Precancerous Lesions
Complete surgical excision (always indicated for suspicious skin lesions)
Shave excision / Curettage
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT – conventional lamp and daylight PDT)
Laser therapy
Cryotherapy
Topical medical therapies (specialized creams and gels)
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