Skin Cancer Screening in St. Cloud, MN

Early detection saves lives. If you live in the St. Cloud, MN area and are looking for thorough, expert skin cancer screening, Clarus Dermatology provides comprehensive full-body skin examinations performed by board-certified dermatologists. Our Otsego office is the closest Clarus Dermatology location to St. Cloud, offering convenient access to the same advanced screening and diagnostic capabilities available at all of our clinics.

Minnesota’s climate and outdoor lifestyle mean that residents accumulate significant sun exposure over a lifetime — making regular skin cancer screenings an essential part of preventive health care. Our dermatologists are trained to identify suspicious lesions that may be invisible to the untrained eye, catching potential cancers at their most treatable stage.

Why Skin Cancer Screening Matters

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more cases diagnosed each year than all other cancers combined. The three primary types of skin cancer are:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common type, typically appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, often on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and neck. BCC rarely metastasizes but can cause significant local tissue destruction if left untreated.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — the second most common type, presenting as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. SCC can spread to lymph nodes and other organs if not treated promptly.
• Melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma develops in the pigment-producing melanocytes. When caught early, melanoma is highly treatable, but advanced melanoma can be life-threatening.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual skin cancer screenings for adults, with more frequent examinations for individuals who have risk factors such as a history of sunburns, fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or a large number of moles.

What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening

A full-body skin examination at Clarus Dermatology is a thorough, systematic evaluation of your entire skin surface. During the appointment, your dermatologist will:

• Examine your skin from head to toe, including the scalp, between the toes, and under the nails
• Use a dermatoscope — a specialized magnifying instrument — to evaluate suspicious moles or lesions in detail
• Document any atypical findings for ongoing monitoring
• Discuss your personal risk factors and sun protection strategies

If a lesion appears suspicious, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy. This is a quick, minimally invasive procedure performed in the office, where a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. Most patients receive their results within one to two weeks.

Advanced Treatment for Skin Cancer

Should a biopsy confirm skin cancer, Clarus Dermatology offers the full spectrum of treatment options, including Mohs micrographic surgery, the gold standard for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Dr. Neil A. Shah, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and the founder of Clarus Dermatology, personally performs Mohs procedures, ensuring the highest cure rate (up to 99%) while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Additional skin cancer treatments available at Clarus Dermatology include surgical excision, cryotherapy (freezing), electrodesiccation and curettage, and referral coordination for radiation therapy or systemic treatments when indicated.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection

Between professional screenings, the Clarus Dermatology team encourages patients to perform monthly self-examinations. Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles and spots on your skin:

• A — Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other
• B — Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
• C — Color: The color is uneven, with shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue
• D — Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
• E — Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color

If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment promptly. Early evaluation can make the difference between a simple office procedure and a more complex treatment course.

Convenient Access for St. Cloud Area Residents

Our Otsego office is located approximately 45 minutes southeast of St. Cloud along US-10, making it the most accessible Clarus Dermatology clinic for residents of St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park, and surrounding communities. For patients in central Minnesota, our Spicer office is another convenient option.

Six Locations Across Minnesota

Clarus Dermatology operates six clinics throughout the state — in Minnetonka, New Brighton, Maple Grove, Hugo, Otsego, and Spicer — providing expert dermatologic care to patients across the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota.

To schedule your skin cancer screening, call (612) 213-2370 or use our online scheduler. Learn more about our skin cancer screening services and take a proactive step to protect your health.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Skin cancer screening frequency should be determined in consultation with your dermatologist based on your individual risk factors. Results and recommendations vary by patient.