Dépistage annuel de la peau
Qu'est-ce qu'un dépistage annuel de la peau : symptômes, causes, diagnostic et traitement
**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.
Définition et aperçu
Un annual skin screening test is an examination carried out by a board-certified dermatologist to detect or diagnose cancer de la peau.
Le cancer de la peau est l'un des types de cancer les plus courants aux États-Unis. Selon l'American Skin Cancer Foundation, un Américain sur cinq devrait être diagnostiqué avec la maladie. De plus, le taux d'augmentation du nombre de cas de cancer de la peau au cours des 30 dernières années est plus rapide que celui des autres cancers combinés.
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.
Le mélanome est le type de cancer le plus mortel. Elle est due à une mutation génétique des mélanocytes, les cellules de la peau qui créent la mélanine, qui est le pigment qui donne la couleur de la peau. Il commence normalement par un grain de beauté et le cancer peut se propager rapidement en pénétrant plus profondément dans la peau et en atteignant les os, les cartilages, les ganglions lymphatiques et les organes vitaux voisins.
Bien qu'une personne puisse effectuer un auto-examen de la peau, un test de dépistage professionnel peut fournir un résultat plus complet et plus précis.
Qui devrait subir et résultats attendus
Un dépistage annuel du cancer de la peau est recommandé pour :
- Ceux qui ont au moins 50 ans
- Ceux qui passent beaucoup de temps à l'extérieur et dans des lits de bronzage
- Patients ayant des antécédents familiaux de cancer de la peau
- Ceux qui ont eu un cancer de la peau au moins une fois
- Ceux qui soupçonnent des excroissances et des lésions anormales sur la peau
- Les personnes sujettes aux coups de soleil
- Ceux qui ont beaucoup de grains de beauté et de plaques autour du corps
Le dépistage du cancer de la peau peut être utile pour :
- Déterminer si les lésions ou les excroissances sont cancéreuses ou bénignes
- Savoir si biopsie est nécessaire
- Surveillance de la récidive du cancer de la peau (le carcinome basocellulaire, par exemple, est connu pour récidiver dans les cinq ans suivant le traitement)
- Fournir les recommandations nécessaires pour réduire ou prévenir le cancer de la peau et sa récidive
Comment fonctionne la procédure ?
Pendant le test, le patient est invité à porter une blouse médicale et à s'allonger sur une table avec une lumière vive placée à proximité. Le médecin commence alors à examiner chaque partie de la peau, en utilisant une carte corporelle pour déterminer l'emplacement exact d'un grain de beauté, d'une croissance, d'une tache de naissance et d'autres conditions possibles de la peau. Dans certains cas, les excroissances sont petites ou elles sont masquées, par exemple par les cheveux, de sorte que le dermatologue peut devoir utiliser une loupe.
Le dermatologue prendra alors note de l'asymétrie des grains de beauté, de la couleur de la pigmentation, de l'irrégularité de la bordure, des dimensions de la croissance ou de la lésion et des modifications des excroissances cutanées. Selon le résultat de l'examen cutané, le dermatologue peut demander une biopsie pour toute lésion ou excroissance suspecte.
Les tests de dépistage cutané annuels prennent généralement au moins 20 minutes.
Risques et complications possibles
Les tests de dépistage du cancer de la peau sont généralement sûrs, mais il est possible que le cancer de la peau ne soit pas détecté pendant l'examen, surtout si la croissance est très petite ou si les changements sont extrêmement subtils.
Référence:
- 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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[wp_show_posts id=””]**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.
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