A skin self-exam (SSE) is an examination of your skin that you do for yourself (or with a friend or partner). It is a way for you to notice any changes or abnormalities in your skin. It is a good way to spot skin cancer early.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that you do an SSE every month. You should also have a clinical cancer-related checkup with your doctor during your periodic health exams.
The best time to do a SSE is after a shower or bath. Make sure the room is brightly lit.
If you notice any changes or abnormalities, see your doctor right away. Be particularly alert for new dark spots as these could be melanomas. Melanomas are a particularly dangerous form of skin cancer that can be completely cured if found early and completely removed. Most melanomas are brown, blue, black, or multi-colored with browns, reds, blues, and blacks. The majority of melanomas begin as flat colored patches, usually (but not always) with irregular borders. They may itch or bleed, but most melanomas cause no symptoms. Rarely, melanomas may lack color entirely. Some may grow as raised bumps. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp, back, and feet where people may not look carefully enough. Look for asymmetric moles, moles with irregular borders, multicolored moles, and large moles. These are the most concerning, especially if they are evovling or changing.
Your skin offers you wonderful protection from the outside world, but it can also be the site of cancers and other serious problems. Treat your skin as well as it treats you: If you see something new or suspicious, let your doctor take a look at it.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology.
http://www.aad.org/
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english/
References:
American Academy of Dermatology. Available at: http://www.aad.org
Skin cancer prevention and early detection. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1_Skin_Cancer_Detection_What_You_Can_Do.asp. Updated March 2010. Accessed April 26, 2010.
Zoorob R, Anderson R, Cefalu C, Sidani M. Cancer screening guidelines. Am Fam Physician. 2001;63(6):1101-1113.
Last reviewed April 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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