Protect your skin with a professional skin cancer screening at Clarus Dermatology in Maple Grove, MN. Our Maple Grove office, located at 7365 Kirkwood Court N, Suite 350, offers comprehensive full-body skin exams performed by board-certified dermatologists who specialize in the early detection of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and precancerous lesions.
The Importance of Professional Skin Cancer Detection
Skin cancer remains the most prevalent cancer diagnosis in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. The encouraging news is that when detected early, the five-year survival rate for localized melanoma exceeds 99 percent — and non-melanoma skin cancers are almost always curable with prompt treatment.
Self-examinations at home are valuable, but they cannot replace the trained eye of a board-certified dermatologist. Lesions on the scalp, back, behind the ears, and between the toes are easy to miss on your own. A professional screening ensures that no area goes unexamined.
How Our Skin Cancer Screening Works
At our Maple Grove location, skin cancer screenings are thorough yet efficient, typically lasting 15 to 20 minutes. Your dermatologist will:
- Conduct a head-to-toe visual examination — carefully inspecting every region of the skin, including the scalp, nail beds, and areas between fingers and toes
- Utilize dermoscopy — a handheld magnification device that reveals pigment patterns, vascular structures, and architectural features invisible to the naked eye
- Evaluate your mole map — tracking changes in existing moles and identifying any new or evolving lesions of concern
- Perform biopsies as needed — if a lesion raises suspicion, a quick in-office biopsy provides a definitive pathological diagnosis
Skin Cancers We Diagnose and Treat
Our surgical dermatology team at the Maple Grove office diagnoses and manages all forms of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma — the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer, usually appearing as a flesh-colored or pink bump on sun-exposed skin, growing slowly but capable of local tissue destruction
- Squamous cell carcinoma — presenting as a firm, red nodule or crusted patch, with the potential to spread if not treated promptly
- Melanoma — the most serious form of skin cancer, identifiable through the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving appearance
- Actinic keratoses — precancerous rough, scaly spots caused by cumulative sun damage that may progress to squamous cell carcinoma without treatment
Mohs Surgery and Skin Cancer Treatment in Maple Grove
When a screening identifies skin cancer, Clarus Dermatology provides the full continuum of care. Dr. Neil A. Shah, our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, performs Mohs micrographic surgery — the technique with the highest cure rate for common skin cancers. This precise, tissue-sparing procedure is especially important for cancers on the face, nose, eyelids, lips, and ears, where preserving healthy tissue and minimizing scarring is critical.
Depending on the diagnosis, our team may also recommend standard surgical excision, cryotherapy, electrodesiccation and curettage, topical therapies, or photodynamic therapy.
Who Should Get Screened
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all adults receive periodic skin cancer screenings. Maple Grove residents with any of the following risk factors should be particularly diligent about scheduling regular examinations:
- Light or fair complexion, freckling, or sun-sensitive skin
- History of sunburns — especially blistering burns during childhood or adolescence
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- Numerous moles (50 or more) or atypical/dysplastic moles
- Regular outdoor activities or occupational sun exposure
- Previous or current use of tanning beds
- Organ transplant recipients or patients on immunosuppressive therapy
Your Local Dermatology Practice
The Maple Grove office is one of six Clarus Dermatology locations across Minnesota. We also serve patients at our New Brighton, Minnetonka, Hugo, Otsego, and Spicer offices, providing convenient access to expert dermatological care throughout the Twin Cities metro and central Minnesota.
Schedule your skin cancer screening today by calling (612) 213-2370 or booking online through the scheduler on this page.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Skin cancer risk, screening frequency, and treatment recommendations are individualized. Please consult with a board-certified dermatologist to determine the appropriate screening schedule for your needs.
