Annual Skin Screening

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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**Q:⁤ What is an Annual Skin Screening?**

**A:** An annual skin screening is a ⁣preventative ⁣medical examination conducted by a dermatologist or ‌certified healthcare professional⁣ to⁢ detect potential⁢ skin⁤ cancer lesions early, even when they may‌ not be visible or apparent to the naked ‌eye. The screening typically involves⁣ a full-body ‌examination‍ of the ⁣skin, including​ the scalp, face, trunk, ‍and extremities, using specialized instruments such as dermatoscopes ‍to magnify and assess skin lesions.



**Q: Why is Annual Skin Screening Important?**

**A:** Annual skin​ screenings are crucial for early detection of skin⁤ cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous form. Melanoma‍ is highly treatable if detected in its early stages, but can be life-threatening if left ​untreated. ​Skin screenings⁣ allow dermatologists to identify suspicious lesions​ that require further evaluation or ‍biopsy, increasing the chances of successful ‍treatment and minimizing the risk of serious skin cancer complications.



**Q: Who Should Get Regular Skin Screenings?**

**A:** Everyone, regardless of age,‌ skin colour, or ⁢family history, should⁤ consider annual skin screenings. However, individuals with certain risk ‍factors, such as:



* **Light⁢ skin colour:**⁤ Fair-skinned individuals ‌have a higher‌ risk‍ of developing ‌skin cancer than those with darker skin tones.

* **A history of sunburns:** Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.

* **Outdoor occupations or⁣ activities:** Individuals​ who spend significant time outdoors, such as​ farmers or construction workers, have an elevated risk.

* **A family history of skin cancer:** People with a ​family history are more likely to ⁤develop the disease.



**Q: How Often Should I Get a Skin Screening?**

**A:** The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual ⁤skin screenings for individuals‌ at ⁣average risk, ⁢while‍ those with specific risk factors may require more frequent examinations.



**Q: What Happens During a Skin Screening?**

**A:** ⁣During a skin screening, the dermatologist will:



* Examine your skin from head to toe,⁣ including ‌areas that are usually not exposed to sunlight.

* Look for suspicious lesions (moles or skin growths) that have changed in size, shape, colour, or texture.

* Use a dermatoscope to magnify and evaluate suspicious lesions for telltale signs of‍ skin cancer.

* Document any findings or take photographs ⁢for future reference.



**Q: What ⁤Should I Do ⁤If ⁣a Suspicious Lesion is⁢ Found?**

**A:** If your dermatologist finds a suspicious lesion, they will recommend a ​biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of⁤ tissue from the lesion to be examined under a microscope by‌ a ‍pathologist. A biopsy can confirm or rule⁤ out the presence of skin cancer.



**Q: What are the Benefits of ⁤Annual Skin Screenings?**

**A:** Annual skin screenings offer numerous benefits:



* **Early detection:** Identifying ⁢and treating skin cancer early significantly increases the chances of survival and⁤ reduces the risk of disfigurement or complications.

* **Peace of mind:** Skin screenings provide reassurance that your skin is healthy or that any ‍potential issues are being addressed promptly.

* **Improved prognosis:** Skin cancer that is detected and ⁤treated early has a higher​ cure rate⁤ and a better prognosis.

* **Prevention:** Regular skin screenings can ⁣help you adopt healthy sun protection‌ habits and⁤ reduce ⁣your overall risk of developing skin cancer.



**Q: How⁤ Can I Prepare for a Skin⁢ Screening?**

**A:** To prepare ⁣for a skin screening:



* Avoid tanning beds or excessive sun exposure‍ before the exam.

* Remove any bandages, dressings, or makeup that may cover⁤ your skin.

* Bring a list of any ‌medications⁣ or supplements you are taking.

* Be⁤ prepared to provide your medical‍ and family ‍history ​related to skin cancer.



By incorporating annual skin screenings into your healthcare routine, you can significantly enhance your⁣ chances of⁣ detecting and treating skin cancer early, safeguarding the health and well-being of your skin.