Malignant melanomas are steadily on the increase in America. In fact, one out of fifty Americans will design melanoma in their lifetime. Non-melanoma skin cancer are even more frequent. One out of five Americans will design a non-melanoma skin cancer sometime while their lifetimes. Because of the frequency of skin cancers, a full skin exam is an foremost tool to early diagnosing and rehabilitation of these skin cancers.
A full skin exam includes optical inspection of the skin on all parts of your body. This includes face, ears, scalp, neck, back, arms, legs, hands and feet. Therefore, you will be asked to take off your clothes and put on a gown for the examination. while a full skin examination, your dermatologist is seeing for suspicious moles, lesions, or growths. Commonly a lively light and a magnifying tool are used to aid in considering your skin.
The Followinghistory Is
Often times, your dermatologist may suggest a full skin examination, even if you were being seen for a specific irritation. This is Commonly due to a fair complexion, visible lesions, or a history that is more prone for skin cancers. Dermatologists are particularly interested in performing a full skin exam if you have one or more of the following:
History of skin cancer. History of precancerous or questionable lesions. History of severe sunburn or blistering sunburns in the past. Red hair and freckles. Blond hair with blue eyes. Family history of melanoma. History of outdoor work (ex: Lifeguarding) for more than 3 summers. Extensive history of suntanning or use of tanning beds. History of outdoor hobbies such as golfing, sailing, and tennis.
Your dermatologist may perform a biopsy if they rule there a suspicious lesion. There are any dissimilar types of skin biopsy, depending on the size of the lesion and how much skin the dermatologist feels is indispensable to properly make a diagnosis. The skin sample obtained from the biopsy is sent to a diagnosis lab where it is processed and examined by a pathologist. The pathologist will view discrete slices of the specimen in order to confirm a diagnosis. One should expect the ensue within one to two weeks.
Your dermatologist's goal is to provide a approved skin exam to detect skin cancers early. Skin cancer has a 95% cure rate when detected early. A approved full body skin exam should be done yearly, or more often if needed. It is also foremost for you to perform a self skin exam every month. Then you will be able to point out specific lesions about which you are concerned because they are growing or changing in size, color, or texture.
The Value of a Full Skin Exam
