Completing a self examination for skin cancer is not a complicated procedure, but it is one that is of great importance in an overall prevention and early detection program. According to the American Academy of Dermatology a self-exam should be completed on a regular basis with any irregularities, changes or abnormalities on the skin’s surface reported to your dermatologist.1
Self exams require a few basic materials that are commonly available in your home. Ideally, if at all possible, having another person examine the hard to see places on your body including your back, scalp and the backs of your legs and arms is very helpful and provides a much more comprehensive exam. However, if you are on your own, you can still complete a self exam using mirrors as well as keeping records of all moles and skin discolorations on a body map.
The First Examination
The first skin exam will form your baseline reading. This exam should be as thorough as possible and requires that you prepare to spend time in examining your skin from the top of your head to the bottoms of your feet. By documenting any moles, darker spots, freckles patterns and other variations in the skin you can then easily track any changes that occur over time. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers will cause irregular surface demarcations and changes on the skin which can vary from bumps to moles or dark patches that change in shape and size.2
Routinely practicing this procedure allows for immediate detection and early treatment of all types of basal and squamous cell skin cancers. The self examination for skin cancer is critical in noting any changes in a clear, concise fashion and provides your dermatologist or physician with specific information about the changes you have noted.
Melanoma, which is estimated to include about 60,000 of the total number of slightly more than one million skin cancer diagnoses per year, can also be detected early using self examination.3 Like the other two forms of skin cancer melanoma is indicated by irregular skin patches. This is often associated with changes in mole coloration with tan, black, brown or blue colored pigments that are caused by the production of melanin in the cancer cells. Melanoma can spread throughout the body and to the internal organs, making early detection and treatment essential.
Warning Signs To Watch For
Understanding all skin cancer warning signs is essential during your first self examination and for all future routine exams. Although it is possible to mistake a non-cancerous mole for skin cancer only a dermatologist can confirm the self examination results and notify you of the options for treatment with either diagnosis. Addressing your concerns to your doctor is critical for early detection of any possible health issues, including skin cancer.
The easiest way to remember the skin cancer warning signs is to use the ABCD method used by the American Cancer Society and other organizations. This method has you watch for changes in the shape of the mole (Asymmetry), changes in the outline of the mole (Border irregularity), differences in Color and Diameter to provide the acronym ABCD.4
It is also essential to note any wounds that are present on the body and monitor their healing process. Skin cancers can be detected by poor healing or very slow healing of minor to larger wounds and lesions on the skin’s surface. The wound healing process itself may be the trigger for the change in the squamous cells of the body and can develop into an aggressive type of skin cancer.
Body Maps
Body maps are a handy tool that can be used to diagram and record any moles or darker pigmented areas of your skin. A body map is literally a human figure that allows you to record details of any current moles, freckle patches, discolorations or abnormally textured skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology provides a free copy of their Body Mole Map online that is a very handy document to download and print. The page contains a quick review of how to complete the examination as well as template drawings for the body, head and feet. All you are required to do is number the moles on the body and fill in the chart below that includes the ABCDs of all the moles and irregular skin.5
With new technology you can also take digital photographs of the mole next to a reference such as a ruler and keep a digital image of the color, shape, size and symmetry of the mole. This can be a very helpful record to bring to the dermatologist if you note any changes in any aspect of the mole or skin irregularity in the future.
What To Do Next
During your monthly self examination for skin cancer you may note that a mole has changed in one of the essential components of Asymmetry, Border, Color or Diameter. When this happens it is important to contact your doctor or dermatologist and schedule an examination. Bring all your documentation including body maps and digital images or pictures to the examination. You can also develop a list of questions or concerns that you wish to address with your physician at the examination. This will help ensure that all your questions are answered if you have concerns or fears about skin cancer.
References
1 How To Examine Your Skin. Retrieved from American Academy of Dermatology: www.aad.org/skin-conditions/skin-cancer-detection/about-skin-self-exams
2 Skin Cancer: Basal and Squamous Cell. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/Cancer/SkinCancer-BasalandSquamousCell/DetailedGuide/skin-cancer-basal-and-squamous-cell-detection
3 What You Should Know About Melanoma. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/documents/document/acspc-024621.pdf
4 What You Should Know About Melanoma. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/documents/document/acspc-024621.pdf
5 Melanoma Monday Mole Map. Retrieved from American Academy Of Dermatology: www.melanomamonday.org/documents/Melanoma Monday Mole Map.pdf
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