Check for Signs of Skin Cancer
In most cases, skin cancer spots are caused by overexposure to the ultra violet (UV) rays of the sun although it can be caused by other factors as well.
Skin cancer can happen to anybody anywhere but people with less pigment protection and very light skin are particularly vulnerable to the disease in hot and sunny regions.
It is therefore necessary for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer to help early detection by the doctor.
Among all the types of skin cancer, the most dangerous is melanoma because it is known to spread very fast. If the melanoma warning signs are not detected early, then the cancer can spread very fast to other organs of the body.
When that happens, the chances of survival are much less. However, when detected early, it is much easier for doctors to treat the patient effectively.
1. What to Expect at your Skin Check?
During a regular skin cancer check the doctor will examine every inch of his/her body including face, chest, arms, back, legs, scalp, between the toes and soles of the feet.
2. What is a Full Body Skin Check?
A full body check involves a process of checking every mole for changes classified as A,B,C,D,E.
A- Asymmetry on both sides of the mole
B- Borders of the mole have uneven edges
C- Colour of the mole ranges from tan, brown or black
D- Diameter of the mole is more than 1/4 inch
E- Evolving nature of the mole shows changes
3. What Equipment is utilised in Skin Checks?
For skin imaging, high-frequency ultrasound equipment is used and for early detection of melanoma a handheld device called dermatoscope is used. For biopsy of a mole the doctors use the punch biopsy instrument after doing local anaesthesia of the affected area.
4. What if a Suspicious Spot is found during Skin Check?
If the doctor thinks a mole is suspicious, s/he will apply local anaesthesia on the affected area before scraping off the mole as much as possible.
5. What is the follow up after my Skin Check?
You need proper follow-up care with regular screening for possible growth of more skin cancers. For this you will need whole-body skin examinations by your doctor because after getting treated for one type of skin cancer you may develop another type of skin cancer.
When to See a Doctor
It’s not easy for anyone to look at any skin disorder and imagine that s/he needs any kind of checking for skin cancer. However, a skin cancer doctor at a Australian skin cancer clinicwould know to differentiate nature of the skin disorder if it is cancerous or not. You can find information on skin cancer on our website or alos from the cancer council skin check for further information.