The incidence of skin cancer is currently on the rise. One type of skin cancer, melanoma, is treatable if caught early, but can be fatal if left undiagnosed. A doctor should examine both men and women once a year for signs of skin cancer, and those with risk factors should consider more frequent evaluations. Monthly self-exams should be performed at the same time as breast exams or testicular exams in order to notice any changes in the skin as soon as possible.
Instructions
Check for Skin Cancer
1. Learn everything you can about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, and then get to know your own body. Basal cell cancer is typically found in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, and causes a variety of bumps and spots that may be small, raised, red or pink, and shiny or waxy looking. Squamous cell also occurs more frequently in areas that are exposed to the sun, and generally produces lumps that are scaly, rough, and flat. Melanoma, the deadly form of skin cancer, often affects the shape or size of existing moles, but may appear anywhere on the body. Knowing what to look for, and being familiar with the way your skin normally looks, will greatly aid in locating changes that may be indicative of skin cancer.
2. Stand in front of a full-length mirror under a bright light. Take your time, and thoroughly exam every area of your body. Use a hand mirror to examine your back and other areas that are difficult to view. If you are unable to view every area of your body, ask a friend to help.
3. Carefully check your skin for the ABCDs of melanoma, and for any new spots, bumps, sores, or growths. Note any spreading of pigment from the border of a spot to surround areas of skin, and keep a record of any changes in sensation, including pain or itching. Changes in the texture or surface of moles should also be recorded, such as oozing, bleeding, scaling, or roughness. When checking your skin for melanoma, pay extra attention to asymmetry, irregular borders, strange color variations, and diameters larger than 6 millimeters. Any moles showing these signs should be promptly reported to your doctor.
4. Examine your lips, ears, and eyes for any changes or bumps. Using a flashlight, check the inside of your mouth and as much of your throat as possible. Skin cancer can occur in the mucous membranes as well as on the surface of the skin.
5. Ask a friend to examine your scalp for any suspicious changes. Part your hair, or use a blow dryer, to get a close look at the entire scalp area.
6. Take photos of anything that seems abnormal. These photos should be shown to your doctor, and can be kept and used as a reference for future exams.
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