Find skin cancer: How to perform a skin self-exam

What is Skin Cancer: Symptoms and Signs of Occurrence

Skin Cancer is the condition where cells grow and multiply abnormally in the epidermal ( the outermost skin layer) forming malignant tumours.The most common cause of Skin Cancer is prolonged exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation from the Sun or tanning beds. Skin cancer has been rising over the past few decades becoming one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers around the globe, mostly in fair-skinned populations.

Skin Cancer can be categorised into three main types:-

- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) : The most commonly found and the least dangerous skin cancer. It arises from the basal cells which lies in the bottom layer of the epidermis.It appears as a pearly or waxy bump with pink , red or white visible blood vessels often accompanied with open sores that may crust, bleed or ooze continuously without healing.It may even appear like reddish , white, yellow scar-like patches developed without prior injury.It may even appear as brown scar like lesion as dark-colored growths, especially in people with darker skin.It is usually found in areas of your face, neck, ears , scalp, shoulders , back , arms and hands.

Though BCC grows slowly and is most unlikely to spread to other parts of the body, if left untreated can invade into deeper tissues causing damage to body. Early detection and treatment is very important.

- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) : It is the second most common type of skin-cancer.It develops in squamous cells which lies in the upper layer of the epidermis.It  appears as a firm red nodule with crusty or inflamed areas that may bleed or itch and is painful when touched. Common locations include the face, ears, lips, scalp, neck, hands, arms, and legs or any area exposed to the sun.

SCC is more aggressive than BCC and has higher risk of spreading  to lymph nodes and other organs if left untreated.

- Melanoma: The most dangerous and  aggressive form of skin cancer , Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body , making it potentially fatal.It develops in melanocyte cells that produce pigment and often appears in existing moles or  as new dark skin lesions.

The common locations for melanoma:  

• Among men: the back, chest, or face.
• Among women: the legs.  

As it spreads very quickly if caught early survival rates are high if provided with the correct treatment but late-stage melanoma can be life-threatening . This is why diagnosing and detecting skin cancer in its early stages is essential.  

How to Perform a Skin Self-Exam? 

Skin cancer can be easily detected at home by few quick easy steps.It is important to keep a track of yourself and perform a skin self exam to detect any early signs of skin cancer.But Let's first understand What Signs Or Symptoms to look for:

Skin-Self exam is based on the ABCDE Rule which is as follows:-

• A-Asymmetry: One half of a mole doesn’t match the other.
• B- Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• C-Color: The color is not uniform and consists of shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.
• D-Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
• E-Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color and in not constant and may even cause itching/ bleeding.

Now,Here is a step-by-step instructions for performing a skin self exam:-

1. Stand in-front of a full-length mirror and carefully examine your body front and back.Raise your arms and check both sides.

2. Check your face , neck and scalp using a mirror.Part your hairs to check your scalp.

3. Carefully inspect your arms , hands , legs and feet. 

• Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, underarms, palms, and fingernails.

• Examine both sides of your hands and spaces between your fingers.

• Sit down and examine your legs, including the backs of your thighs and calves. 

• Inspect your feet, including the soles, heels, toenails, and between your toes.

4. Check your upper body, make sure you examine your underarms carefully.

 Note: Women should even lift their breasts and closely examine underneath.

By carefully examining your body,keep a track of any new moles, growths, or changes in existing moles. Take photos as track records to monitor changes over time.And if you notice something unusual or new you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, and go for a checkup. 

If you find this process difficult or confusing, why not seek help from experts? Prevention is always better than cure.

 And when seeking medical help, why not choose the best? Chermside offers top-notch facilities for Skin Cancer Screening, with experts specializing in thorough skin examinations to identify suspicious moles, lesions, or signs of skin cancer, including melanoma.