Essential elements of
a comprehensive skin check
1
Risks of skin cancer discussion
Includes but not limited to: age, skin type, sun behaviour, previous skin cancer history and other specific conditions.
Examples: a 60 year old with fair skin and a long history of sunbaking would have much higher risks than a 20 year old with darker skin who has used sun-screen since childhood.
3
Findings discussion
Full understanding of diagnoses and management plan are essential. Good communication is key in doctors and patients satisfaction.
2
Skin examination
Under good lighting, particularly with a dermoscope. Dermoscope is similar to a magnifying glass with special lighting set up. Modern skin cancer checks are completely inadequate without dermoscopy.
4
Record keeping & follow up
Concerned lesions need to be captured and stored electronically for future reference. A picture tells more than a thousand words and sometimes lies as well. Having a good record of skin lesions can facilitate communication and collaboration between clinicians, lab doctors and patients.
Who needs Skin Cancer Check?
High risk individuals. If one or more of the followings applied to you, then you might need regular skin checks
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Have fair skin
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Have red/ginger, blonde hairs
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Had many freckles in your teen/early adult years
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Had more than five severe sun burns
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Work out doors for a living
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Had sunbath specifically for tanning
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Used tanning bed / solarium
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Have family member diagnosed with melanoma
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Have personal history of skin cancers
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Or simply because you are concerned about new skin lesions. Being anxious about such things is normal and it is justified to seek help from a qualified doctor.
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