Skin Cancer Screening
At Perpetual beauty and wellness we provide skin cancer screening. Finding skin cancer early increases treatment options.
Before getting skin cancer screening, you can self evaluate yourself. Using the “ABCDE” rule during self-evaluation will help you identify skin cancer risks.
The ABCDE Rule
The ABCDE rule assists doctors in determining which characteristics distinguish a normal mole from skin cancer.
A stands for asymmetry. One half of a mole is not the same form as the other
The letter B stands for border. A mole’s edge is crooked (irregular). It may appear jagged, notched or fuzzy. The colour may extend to the surrounding region of the mole
The letter C stands for colour. A mole’s colour does not remain consistent throughout. It might be tan, brown or black in colour. Blue, grey, red, pink and white patches are occasionally seen
The letter D stands for diameter. A mole is bigger than 6mm across, which is roughly the size of a pencil eraser
The letter E stands for evolution. There has been a change in colour.
Who should get regular skin exams?
The following are some of the prevalent risk factors for patients:
1. If you have multiple moles (more than 50);
2. History of skin cancer in your family;
3. If you had melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer in the past;
4. If you have large moles (more than 6 mm in diameter);
5. If you noticed any changes in your moles;
6. If you noticed any new moles on your body;
7. If you had severe, blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence;
8. If you have very light skin;
9. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds on a regular basis.
How Is Skin Screening Done?
During a skin inspection Dr Nwosu will thoroughly examine the whole surface of your skin, paying specific attention to regions of skin that have been exposed to the sun. The goal of a skin inspection is to identify early areas of concern for skin cancer.
Approximately 85 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers grow on parts of the body, often exposed to sunlight. However, 20% of melanomas develop on skin that isn’t always exposed to the sun. That is why it is critical to examine all of your skin