{"id":15429,"date":"2020-09-09T11:09:17","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T15:09:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=15429"},"modified":"2022-05-03T16:11:44","modified_gmt":"2022-05-03T20:11:44","slug":"skin-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/skin-check\/","title":{"rendered":"Love the skin you\u2019re in: The importance of annual skin cancer checks"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019re getting dressed for work, when you notice a new mole. Although it doesn\u2019t look like the photos you\u2019ve seen of <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>, you\u2019re concerned after remembering past summers when you weren\u2019t as diligent as you could have been with <\/span>sunscreen<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>While that mole may very well just be a mole, it\u2019s a good idea to get it checked out, says <\/span>Debra Jaliman<\/span><\/a>, MD, a board-certified <\/span>dermatologist<\/span> in New York City and the author of <\/span>Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York <\/span><\/i>Dermatologist<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone should have an annual <\/span>skin check<\/span> once they reach adulthood,\u201d Dr. Jaliman explains. \u201cIf you have a history of <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> or any suspicious moles or other spots, you should consult a doctor even sooner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, all <\/span>skin cancers<\/span> don\u2019t look the same and while Dr. Jaliman recommends doing regular at-home <\/span>self-examinations<\/span> to look for <\/span>skin changes<\/span> like new spots or older spots that have changed or look unusual, it\u2019s a good idea to get any <\/span>suspicious spots<\/span> evaluated by your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of skin cancer<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many people don\u2019t realize sun damage is cumulative and that <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> can take 20 years or more to develop. The good news is <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> is also largely preventable and if caught early, through regular <\/span>skin checks<\/span>, is usually curable. There are three different <\/span>skin cancer types<\/span> that are most common.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. <\/b>Basal cell carcinoma<\/b> (<\/b>BCC<\/b><\/a>)<\/b> is the most common form of <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> and often presents as a flesh-colored growth, a pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin, according to Adnan Mir, MD, a board-certified pediatric <\/span>dermatologist<\/span> in Dallas and a committee chair for the Society for Pediatric <\/span>Dermatology<\/span>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. <\/b>Squamous cell carcinoma<\/b> (SCC)<\/b> is the second most common form of <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>. Dr. Mir says this type of cancer can appear as thick, rough scaly patches that may crust or bleed.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span>\u201cSeveral studies have found that cutaneous human papillomavirus infection can increase\u00a0 \u00a0 the risk of <\/span>squamous-cell carcinoma<\/span>,\u201d Dr. Mir says, adding that this is another reason for parents to consider getting the HPV vaccine recommended for pre-teen boys and girls<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. <\/b>Melanoma<\/b><\/a> is the most serious form of <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> and men are more likely than women to die of melanoma, making regular <\/span>skin exams<\/span> critical for men who spend a considerable time outdoors. While the majority of melanomas are brown or black, some can present as pink, tan, or white.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Who is at risk of <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Skin cancer<\/span> can affect people of all ages and ethnicities. Many people mistakenly believe if they tan and don\u2019t burn that they\u2019re safe from <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>, but Dr. Jaliman cautions that UV radiation from <\/span>sun exposure<\/span> damages the skin even if you don\u2019t turn red and peel. There are some factors that put people at a greater overall risk of developing <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Fair skin<\/span><\/h3>\n

        Fair skin is the greatest <\/span>risk factor<\/span> of developing <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>. However, anyone can develop <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>, regardless of their skin color. \u201cAlthough people of color are at a lower risk of developing <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>, if they are diagnosed with <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>, it\u2019s often at a later stage because the symptoms are hard to recognize,\u201d Dr. Mir says.<\/span><\/p>\n

        When <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> does occur in people of color, it often develops in areas such as inside the mouth, under the nails, palms of hands and lower extremities.<\/span><\/p>\n

        A relative with <\/span>skin cancer<\/span><\/h3>\n

        \u201cGenetics and <\/span>family history<\/span> play a role and can increase your risk especially if you have a <\/span>family history<\/span> of melanoma, the most serious form of <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>,\u201d Dr. Jaliman says. \u201cFamilies tend to have similar skin types, which may increase your risk of developing a <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> if you have a strong <\/span>family history<\/span> of malignant melanomas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

        Age and gender\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

        According to the <\/span>American Academy of Dermatology<\/span> Association<\/span><\/a>, men over 50 also have a higher risk of developing melanoma than women.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Excessive time spent in the sun\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

        \u201cIf you have had <\/span>sunburns<\/span>, lasting damage remains from even just one <\/span>sunburn<\/span> and puts you at risk,\u201d Dr. Jaliman says. \u201cSpending large amounts of time out in the sun without <\/span>sun protection<\/span> also increases your risk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

        RELATED: <\/b>What is a sun allergy?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

        What to expect during your annual <\/span>skin cancer screening?<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Just like visiting your primary care provider for an annual physical and your dentist to have your teeth cleaned and evaluated, you should also schedule an annual <\/span>skin cancer screening<\/span>. These <\/span>full body<\/span> exams are performed either by <\/span>dermatologists<\/span> or in some cases, by primary care providers as part of your annual physical.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Since most <\/span>skin cancers<\/span> are treatable with <\/span>early detection<\/span>, it\u2019s important to get <\/span>annual <\/span>skin exams<\/span><\/a> and to also consult your healthcare provider when you find a suspicious <\/span>skin lesion<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u201cPeople often delay getting a <\/span>skin check<\/span> because they don\u2019t have the time and also view other medical appointments as more important,\u201d Dr. Jaliman says. \u201cMany also mistakenly believe they aren\u2019t at risk of developing <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>, but anyone who has spent considerable time in the sun is at risk.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        At your annual <\/span>skin exam<\/span>, your provider will thoroughly check your skin from your scalp to your feet, looking for any spots that may be itching, changing, or bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

        If your healthcare provider suspects any <\/span>signs of skin cancer<\/span>, you might need a skin biopsy. Your provider will use a local anesthetic to remove a portion of the tissue to be examined under a microscope. Results are typically available within a week and will show whether or not the lesion is benign or cancerous and if so, what <\/span>type of skin cancer<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Insurance coverage for annual <\/span>skin exams<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Depending on your health plan, you may need to see your primary care provider first in order to get a referral to a <\/span>dermatologist<\/span>. With the introduction of telehealth, many primary care providers can now take photos of a patient\u2019s suspicious lesions and forward them to a <\/span>dermatologist<\/span> for a consultation. In the event the <\/span>dermatologist<\/span> suspects <\/span>skin cancer<\/span>, a <\/span>follow-up<\/span> appointment will be scheduled for further evaluation and a possible biopsy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        For those on Medicare Part B<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>dermatology<\/span> services may be covered if deemed medically necessary for a condition. This might involve having your primary care provider evaluate any suspicious lesions first, before referring you to a <\/span>dermatologist<\/span>. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage for <\/span>dermatology<\/span> services.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Skin checks<\/span> for kids<\/span><\/h2>\n

        While <\/span>skin checks<\/span> are recommended for adults, sometimes kids and teens need exams too, says Dr. Mir.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u201cParents of children with a lot of moles should do self-exams and make an appointment with a pediatric <\/span>dermatologist<\/span> if they find moles that appear different than other moles or that meet the <\/span>ABCDE<\/span> criteria: Asymmetry (one half of the mole doesn\u2019t match the other), Border irregularity, Color that is not uniform, Diameter greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), and Evolving size, shape or color.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        When getting a <\/span>skin check<\/span>, Dr. Mir says healthcare providers can also address other common skin conditions in children and teens including <\/span>eczema, acne, and psoriasis<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u201cNew prescription treatments in these areas work really well, so if a parent finds their child\u2019s <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>acne<\/span><\/a> is responding to over-the-counter medications, we can prescribe something that\u2019s more effective,\u201d Dr. Mir says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        How to check for <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> at home<\/span><\/h2>\n

        The <\/span>American Academy of Dermatology<\/span> recommends conducting <\/span>skin checks<\/span> at home once a month. While some people have found success in using <\/span>skin cancer<\/span> apps such as UMSkinCheck, MoleMapper, Miiskin, MoleScope and SkinVision to help them to identify potential <\/span>skin cancers<\/span>, a study published in <\/span>the BMJ<\/span><\/i><\/a> found these apps have a lack of testing to verify their effectiveness, a shortage of expert input when developing the technology and issues with the technology itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Rather than relying on technology that might not provide accurate results, Dr. Jaliman recommends performing self-checks at home and alerting your healthcare provider if you have any suspicious findings.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u201cDuring a self-exam, people want to look for changes in moles such as large diameter, asymmetry, an <\/span>irregular border<\/span> and various shades of color,\u201d Dr. Jaliman says.<\/span><\/p>\n

        The <\/span>American Cancer Society<\/span><\/a> recommends standing in front of a <\/span>full-length mirror<\/span> in your home to perform a <\/span>skin self-exam<\/span>. Use a <\/span>hand mirror<\/span> or ask a spouse, friend or family member to check hard to see areas such as the back of your thighs.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Skin cancer prevention<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

        There is no safe <\/span>tanning<\/span> technique and Dr. Mir recommends that children, teens, and adults all use a broad-spectrum mineral <\/span>sunscreen<\/span> when outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n

        RELATED: <\/b>Does <\/b>sunscreen<\/b> expire?<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u201cThese <\/span>sunscreens<\/span> use zinc oxide or a combination of zinc and titanium oxide to block UV light,\u201d Dr. Mir says. \u201cIt\u2019s also important to remember to reapply <\/span>sunscreen<\/span> every two hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        You\u2019re getting dressed for work, when you notice a new mole. Although it doesn\u2019t look like the photos you\u2019ve seen of skin cancer, you\u2019re concerned after remembering past summers when you weren\u2019t as diligent as you could have been with sunscreen. \u00a0While that mole may very well just be a mole, it\u2019s a good idea […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":50956,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[794,729,15105],"coauthors":[10834],"class_list":["post-15429","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-cancer","tag-doctor-visits","tag-skincare","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat to expect at an annual skin cancer check (and how to do one at home)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you notice a suspicious mole, or other skin issues, it\u2019s time to schedule a skin cancer screening. 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