What is an Annual Skin Screening: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Definition and Overview

An annual skin screening test is an examination carried out by a board-certified dermatologist to detect or diagnose skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. According to American Skin Cancer Foundation, one in every five Americans is expected to be diagnosed with the condition. Further, the rate in which the number of skin cancer cases has increased over the last 30 years is faster than other cancers combined.

There are two general types of skin cancer: non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancers are classified as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Both can affect the epidermis, or the upper layer of the skin, although the basal cell is much deeper.

Melanoma is the deadliest type of cancer. It occurs due to a genetic mutation of the melanocytes, the skin cells that create melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin color. It normally begins as a mole, and the cancer can spread quickly as it goes deeper into the skin and reaches the bones, cartilages, lymph nodes, and nearby vital organs.

Although a person can perform a skin self-exam, a professional screening test can provide a more comprehensive and accurate result.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

An annual skin cancer screening is recommended to:

• Those who are at least 50 years old
• Those who spend plenty of time outdoors and in tanning beds
• Patients who have a family history of skin cancer
• Those who have experienced skin cancer at least once
• Those who suspect abnormal growths and lesions on the skin
• People who are prone to getting sunburns
• Those who have a lot of moles and patches around the body

The skin cancer screening can be helpful in:

• Determining whether the lesions or growths are cancerous or benign
• Knowing whether biopsy is necessary
• Monitoring the recurrence of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, for example, is known to recur within five years following treatment)
• Providing the necessary recommendations to reduce or prevent skin cancer and its recurrence

How Does the Procedure Work?

During the test, the patient is directed to wear a medical gown and lie on a table with a bright light placed nearby. The doctor then begins to scrutinize every part of the skin, using a body map to determine the exact location of a mole, growth, birthmark, and other possible conditions of the skin. In some cases, the growths are small or they are obscured, for example, by the hair, so the dermatologist may have to use a magnifying lens.

The dermatologist will then take note of the asymmetry of the moles, pigmentation color, irregularity of the border, dimensions of the growth or lesion, and changes of skin growths. Depending on the result of the skin exam, the dermatologist may request for a biopsy for any suspicious lesion or growth.

The annual skin screening tests usually takes at least 20 minutes to complete.

Possible Risks and Complications

Skin cancer screening tests are generally safe but there is a possibility that the skin cancer will remain undetected during the exam, especially if the growth is very small or the changes are extremely subtle.

Reference:

• National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines): Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Version 2.2013. Available at http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/nmsc.pdf. Accessed August 19, 2013.

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## What is an Annual Skin Screening?



An annual skin screening is a comprehensive checkup performed ⁢by a dermatologist or healthcare professional to inspect the skin for any abnormalities, such as‍ moles, lesions, ​or skin cancer. It is an important preventive measure that can help detect skin cancer‌ early on, ‌when it⁢ is most treatable.



### Symptoms



Annual skin ​screenings do not​ typically have ​specific symptoms or indications, as they are conducted proactively for detection.



###⁤ Causes



Skin⁤ cancer, the primary concern​ addressed by annual skin screenings, can be caused by:



* **Sun exposure:** ‌Ultraviolet⁢ (UV) radiation from ⁤the ⁤sun‍ is the main cause of skin ‍cancer.

* **Tanning ​beds:** Artificial tanning devices emit UV radiation similar to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin damage and cancer.

* **Fair skin:** Individuals ​with light‍ skin are​ more‍ susceptible to UV damage and‌ skin cancer.

* **Family history:** People with‍ a family ⁣history of skin cancer have a higher risk⁢ of​ developing it.



### Diagnosis



An annual skin screening typically‍ involves a visual examination of the skin, including:



* **Head and‌ neck:** Dermatologist⁣ checks scalp, ears,⁣ face, and neck.

* ‍**Trunk and limbs:** ‍Examination of chest, back, abdomen, arms, and legs.

* ⁢**Skin folds:**⁤ Areas such as underarms, groin, and between fingers are inspected.

* **Hands and feet:** Dermatologist ⁤examines nails, palms, soles, and any lesions on these areas.



### ​Treatment



Treatment for skin cancer detected through an annual ​skin screening depends ​on factors such as⁢ the stage, type, and location of the ⁣cancer. Common⁤ treatment options include:



* **Surgery:** Removal of cancerous lesions through excision or Mohs surgery.

* **Radiation therapy:** Use of high-energy‍ beams to target and destroy cancer‍ cells.

* **Chemotherapy:** Administration of drugs‌ to kill cancer cells.

*⁤ **Immunotherapy:** Use of medications⁣ to enhance the ⁣body’s immune response against cancer.



### Importance of Annual Skin Screenings



Annual skin screenings are crucial for early detection of ‍skin cancer and improving treatment outcomes. They offer several key benefits:



* **Early detection:**‌ By identifying suspicious lesions at⁣ an‍ early stage,⁢ treatment can be ⁢initiated promptly, increasing the chances of successful removal and cure.

* **Prevention:** Annual screenings can identify precancerous lesions⁣ or ‍atypical moles that,⁤ with early ⁣intervention, ⁣can prevent them from progressing to skin​ cancer.

*⁢ **Education:** Dermatologists provide education about skin cancer risks, sun‍ protection‍ measures, and skin health.

* **Peace of mind:**⁤ Regular skin checks provide reassurance that one’s skin is healthy or any potential ‌issues are being ​addressed.



### Recommendations



The‍ American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends annual skin screenings for individuals over the age of 40 or those⁤ at high risk‌ of skin cancer. Individuals with a family​ history of ⁢skin cancer, fair skin, or a history of excessive sun exposure should consider⁣ more frequent screenings.



### Conclusion



Annual skin screenings ‌are a vital component of skin ⁤cancer prevention and ‌early⁤ detection. By undergoing regular checkups with‌ a ⁣dermatologist or healthcare professional,​ individuals can significantly improve their chances‌ of catching and treating ‍skin cancer in its early stages, leading to better outcomes and a reduction in skin cancer-related morbidity and mortality. It is recommended ​to schedule annual skin​ screenings ‌as part of a comprehensive skin ⁤health routine.