Dermdirect Blog Graphic Skin - Dermdirect

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. People of all colors and races can develop skin cancer, therefore it is important to know what you are looking for. At home self-skin checks, along with focused skin exams performed by your dermatology provider, can play an important role in the early detection and treatment of many different types of skin cancer.

When should you be screened for skin cancer?

There is no exact timeline when someone should get a full body skin exam. When to start and the frequency of them depends upon your specific skin type, history of sun exposure over the years and your medical history. Annual skin exams are recommended for anyone with the following risk factors:

  • Personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers or precancerous skin lesions.
  • First-degree relative with history of melanoma
  • A weakened immune system or organ transplant patient
  • A large number of moles (50+) or history of atypical moles
  • A history of significant ultraviolet (UV) exposure through activities such as living in a sunny location, outdoor occupations or tanning bed use.
  • History of blistering sunburns

Overall, annual skin cancer screening is recommended for all adults. It is important to establish a baseline and discuss any skin changes you may be experiencing with your provider. If you haven’t had a skin exam yet, now is the perfect time to get one.

What to expect during the skin exam

A good skin screening exam is a thorough one. During your full body skin exam, every part of your body gets inspected – from the top of your scalp to the bottoms of your feet. Your provider will ask you to put on a gown so they can take a close look at your skin. They will often use a hand-held magnification tool called a dermatoscope, which allows them to see patterns of moles using polarized and unpolarized light. This allows them to assess moles and other skin lesions in greater detail. If any spot looks concerning, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy.

How to spot the signs of skin cancer

t the end of your skin exam, it is important your dermatology provider discusses how to monitor your skin for any changes. The ABCDE rule is a great place to start.

  • A is for asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other.
  • B is for border: The edges are scalloped or blurred.
  • C is for color: The color is uneven and may include patches of black, brown, red, pink, white or blue.
  • D is for diameter: The spot grows larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm).
  • E is for evolving: The spot changes in size, shape and/or color.

For more information on scheduling your full body skin exam visit contact us today!

Check out these sources for further information:
What to expect at a skin cancer check (AAD)
What People of Color Need to Know About Sun Protection and Skin Cancer | American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)
Clevelandclinic.org

About the Author: Lori Arndt, PA-C, is a dermatology physician assistant at DermDirect in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Share This Post

Related Posts

  • Dermdirect Blog Graphic Dry Skin - Dermdirect

    Combating Dry Skin in the Winter

  • Dermdirect Blog Graphic Keratosis Pilaris - Dermdirect

    Keratosis Pilaris