Dermatology is the area of medicine that deals with diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Our dermatologists here at Granger Medical Clinic treat the most common skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and eczema as well as more complex skin diseases. We pride ourselves on providing our patients with the highest quality care using the most up-to-date treatment options. We understand that skin issues can make you feel like you’re wearing your condition for the whole world to see and can be incredibly vulnerable. Our caring and friendly staff will work hard to have you feeling, and looking, your best as quickly as possible!
Please remove all nail polish from your fingernails and toenails. Your provider will need to look at your nails and nail beds, as skin cancers can form there.
Before you arrive for your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you perform a full-body skin self-exam. Make note of any new, changing, itching, or bleeding moles, growths, or other lesions so they can be addressed by your provider during your exam.
The exam itself is usually brief, taking roughly ten minutes. The more moles you have, the longer the exam will be. Your provider may decide to biopsy any suspicious-looking moles or growths. A skin biopsy is a technique involving the removal of a layer of skin for examination under a microscope. The tissue sample is usually sent to the lab for examination, so it may take a few days to receive the results.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! We encourage our patients to be active participants in their care and treatment plan. We want you to leave your appointment feeling confident and empowered with the care you’ve received.
Knowing the difference between a suspicious-looking mole and your average, normal-looking mole is difficult, especially when you don’t know what to look for! The good news is that most moles are benign, but they must still be checked regularly. Follow the ABCDE rule to help guide you when performing a full-body skin self-exam.
E is for Evolving – A mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
A is for Asymmetry – One-half of a mole does not match the other.
B is for Border – The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C is for Color – The color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
D is for Diameter – A mole is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch, the size of a pencil eraser), although Melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
Patients may choose to seek care on their own or they may be referred by their primary care provider or other specialist. It is important to consider insurance requirements, such as a referral, before consulting with a specialist.
Find world-class care close to home.
Find world-class care close to home.
“Dr. Rodriguez is the most attentive doctor I’ve ever had. She truly listens and explains things in a way that makes sense. I feel like a partner in my own healthcare.”
“Excellent bedside manner and very knowledgeable about chronic disease management. She helped me get my type 2 diabetes under control after years of struggling.”
“Our whole family sees Dr. Rodriguez. She is wonderful with our kids and always makes them feel at ease during their annual checkups. Highly recommend!”
