Finding a suspicious or unusual spot, blemish or discoloration on your skin is certainly a cause for concern. It is estimated by the World Health Organization that non-melanoma skin cancers account for the vast majority of diagnosed cases per year with estimates of between two to three million cases. In addition just over 130,000 cases of melanoma will also be diagnosed.1
In the United States skin cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer in both men and women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in 2007 there were 33,041 men and 24,053 women diagnosed with melanomas. Of those diagnosed with this most serious type of cancer there were 8,461 deaths with males accounting for 5,506 of the fatalities in that year.2
White skinned individuals are at highest risk with those with very dark skin at the lowest risk level. Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders and American Indians fell between the two extremes. In the same report, developed by the National Program of Cancer Registries, people with white skin were also the most likely to die from melanoma.3
Finding a spot on your skin that has changed in color, shape, size or symmetry does not mean that you have skin cancer. However, the only way to confirm and deal with your fears of skin cancer is to go to your doctor or dermatologist and have your skin examined. If you have completed a body map and follow a routine self-examination process bringing all your body maps and related data with you can be very helpful to the examining medical professional.
Family Doctors Or Dermatologists
If you have a family doctor your first visit should be with this professional as long as there are no sudden dramatic changes in the mole or the skin patch. This is because the doctor will have a clear understanding and a record of your medical history. Since there are factors that may put individuals at higher risk for developing skin cancers and melanomas a medical history is important. In addition some medications and other diseases may also mimic skin cancers and your doctor will be able to provide information if this may be a concern.
In situations where a family doctor is not available or if the suspicious spot has changed dramatically, is bleeding or crusty, or is causing pain or irritation a dermatologist should be consulted as soon as possible. Individuals with one or more of the risk factors for skin cancer and a suspicious spot should also go directly to a dermatologist.
Risk factors for skin cancers and melanomas include:
- Family history of skin cancers or melanomas
- Prior diagnosis of skin cancers or melanomas
- History of deep sunburns that lead to blistering of the skin
- Ongoing use or a history of use of tanning beds or artificial light sources to tan
- Very light skinned individuals with light eye color and light hair color
- Excessive freckling of the skin
- More than 50 moles on the body
- Moles that are atypical
- Exposure to any type of radiation through x-rays or other medical treatments
- Autoimmune diseases and conditions
- Using immunosuppressive drug therapies in the present or in the past
A family physician can make a referral and many insurance programs allow patients to consult with a specialist without the need for a referral from the family doctor.
Since a dermatologist is a skin specialist they can assist in early diagnosis if the spot is cancerous. This is very important with skin cancers and melanomas as early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent further spread of the cancer or possible complications.
Choosing a dermatologist starts with doing some research, talking to your family doctor and learning about the physicians in your area. In smaller communities a dermatologist may not be available at the local level, but these specialists are essential in your diagnosis and treatment.
Preparation And Expectation
It is very natural to have concerns and possibly fears about what will happen during your appointment with the dermatologist. The overall appointment will include an exam of the skin, not just the area of concern, so the specialist can become familiar with any other possible problem areas. The dermatologist will also take an extensive family history and ask about potential risk factors in your family and lifestyle. 
One good option to avoid forgetting questions or queries while at the appointment is to create a list of questions you wish to ask the specialist. Having these written in advance will allow you to stay focused on the information you need to have when you leave. The dermatologist will be able to answer your questions based on the information obtained in the initial examination.
Many dermatologists will require additional testing, including a possible biopsy of the skin, to determine if the skin irregularity is cancerous. This is essential in determining the specific type of skin cancer or melanoma and the most effective treatment methods. In some cases the dermatologist may be able to make an initial assessment of the skin condition prior to the biopsy and the biopsy will be used only for the confirmation of the diagnosis. The biopsy, depending on several factors, may be done that day as an office procedure or may be scheduled for a future appointment if required.
References
1 Ultraviolet radiation and the INTERSUN Programme. (2011). Retrieved from World Health Organization: www.who.int/uv/faq/skincancer/en/index1.html
2 Skin Cancer Statistics. (2010). Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/
3 Skin Cancer Rates by Race and Ethnicity. (2009, November). Retrieved from Center For Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/race.htm
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