The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier and more successfully it can be treated. Self-skin examinations at home and professional skin checks are important for early detection of skin cancer and melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that self-exams may reduce the risk of death from melanoma by up to 63%, while a separate study found that melanomas detected by a dermatologist tend to be thinner and more easily cured than those found by the patients.
What to Expect from a Professional Skin Check
Dermatologists have specialized training on the diagnosis and management of skin cancer, including how to detect signs of cancer. During a professional skin check, your dermatologist will review your medical history and conduct a head-to-toe examination of your skin.
During this 10- to 15-minute check, take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Your skin cancer dermatologist will also explain what they are looking for, including changes in the size, orders, color or shape of a mole. If the dermatologist suspects a spot is cancerous, a biopsy will be performed. This involves removing a thin sliver of tissue that will be evaluated.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
During the skin check, your dermatologist will look for warning signs of skin cancers. There are three main types of skin cancer: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Each has its own warning signs.
Your dermatologist will check for skin growths that have increased in size or appear translucent, tan, multicolored, pearly, black or brown. Potentially cancerous moles, beauty marks, birthmarks or brown spots may have changed in color, texture, size or thickness, or have irregular borders. A warning sign of skin cancer is marks that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser or marks that appear after the age of 21. Your physician will also look for spots that itch, hurt, erode, crust or bleed, or sores that have not healed after three weeks.
How Often Should You Get a Skin Check?
A professional skin check is recommended at least once a year. If you have a history of skin cancer, or you have more than 100 moles, it’s advised that you have a skin examination as often as every three months.
Call any one of our three skin care offices in Orange County to set up an appointment for your next skin check.