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Early detection is key to diagnosing and treating skin cancer.
Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer, according to the
American Cancer Society. With more than one million cases diagnoised annually, skin cancer outnumbers the combined incidences of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer in the U.S.
According to the
National Cancer Institute, one million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in 2009 will result in about 1,000 deaths.
Limiting sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreens will reduce the risks of skin cancer, pre-mature aging and other harmful effects of the sun.
Know your ABC'S. . .
The
ABCDE guidelines helps to suspect the diagnosis of melanoma in any pigmented lesion:
- A stands for
Asymmetry, when one half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
- B stands for
Border, when the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular.
- C stands for
Color, when the color of the mole is not the same throughout or if it has shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue.
- D stands for
Diameter, when the diameter of a mole is larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.
- E stands for
Evolving, when there are changes in size, shape, color and elevation. These are signs that generally point to danger.
Mole Checks Routine mole checks by a dermatologist at least once a year are essential. It is also very important to do regular self exams of your skin. By standing in front of a full length mirror, carefully examine your entire front surface. You need to lift up your arms and exam the undersurface of your arms as well as your genital region. You should part your hair and exam your entire scalp. This is most easily accomplished when the hair is wet. Next, using a hand mirror and a full length mirror, you should attempt to examine your back and the back of your legs. Any changes in the color, size shape of your moles or the appearance of new moles should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist immediately.
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