The Importance of Skin Checks
Early detection saves lives.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and Utah has one of the highest rates of melanoma due to its high altitude and outdoor culture. Early detection through regular skin checks is crucial for successful treatment and prevention. At Utah Valley Dermatology, we emphasize the importance of both self-skin checks and professional skin exams to catch potential issues early when treatment is most effective.
What Is a Skin Check?
A skin check is a thorough examination of your skin to identify any suspicious growths, moles, or lesions that may indicate skin cancer. Dermatologists use their expertise to visually inspect your skin and may use specialized tools like dermatoscopes for a more detailed analysis. Regular skin checks can help detect early signs of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which are the most common types of skin cancer.
Why Are Skin Checks Important?
Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. For example, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has a 99% five-year survival rate if caught early. However, if left untreated, it can spread and become life-threatening. Regular skin checks empower you to take control of your health by identifying potential issues before they progress.
What Are The Types of Skin Checks?
Self-Skin Checks
Performing regular self-skin checks at home is one of the best ways to monitor your skin health between professional exams. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends checking your skin from head to toe once a month. Here’s how you can perform a self-exam:
- Stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room.
- Use a hand mirror to examine hard-to-see areas like your back.
- Look for any new or changing moles, spots, or lesions.
- Follow the ABCDE rule for identifying suspicious moles:
- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
- Border: Irregular or poorly defined edges.
- Color: Varies from one area to another.
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color over time.
If you notice anything unusual during your self-check, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist immediately.
Professional Skin Checks
While self-exams are essential, they do not replace professional skin checks. Dermatologists are trained to identify subtle changes in your skin that may go unnoticed during self-exams. During a professional skin check at Utah Valley Dermatology, we examine your entire body or specific areas based on your preferences (e.g., sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, and neck). If we find any suspicious lesions, we may perform a biopsy to determine whether they are cancerous.
What Are Common Signs of Skin Cancer?
Knowing what to look for during a self-skin check can help detect potential issues early. Some common signs include:
- New growths or sores that don’t heal.
- Changes in existing moles (size, shape, color).
- Scaly patches or red bumps that persist.
- Lesions that bleed or itch.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Regular skin checks—both at home and with a dermatologist—are critical for early detection and prevention of skin cancer. At Utah Valley Dermatology, we are committed to helping our patients stay proactive about their skin health through comprehensive exams and personalized care.
Schedule your annual skin check today and take the first step toward protecting yourself from skin cancer. Call or text us at (801) 768-8800, or click the button below to schedule an appointment.
