Why Full Body Skin Exams Are Your Protection Against Skin Cancer?

full body checking

When you are able to notice skin changes easily, why is there a need for a full-body skin exam? Undoubtedly, you can easily see moles, spots, and blemishes on your skin, but are you certain what it is you are looking at? Can you identify the subtle changes associated with skin cancer or other skin conditions including acne, eczema, drug reactions, hives, warts, psoriasis, rosacea, and so on?

In some cases, skin changes are not easily visible and may be in hard-to-see areas like the back or scalp. Even if you notice some changes in your skin, it is unlikely you will be able to identify the type of skin disease and its cause.

Why is the mole size changing? What’s the reason behind brown spots, or what is the cause of multiple red bumps? The answer to all these questions lies in getting a full-body skin exam from a certified dermatology professional.

If you are still wondering why a skin exam is important and how it helps in early diagnosis of skin diseases and skin cancer, read below:

Types of Skin Diseases

Rosacea

Rosacea causes skin redness and swelling besides making the blood vessels visible. There are multiple subcategories of this condition, and the symptoms vary accordingly.

Moles

Moles are common, and they usually cause no harm. A person can have around 40 moles throughout the body. They appear when the skin cells responsible for pigment bunch together. It is when moles do not obey the ABCDEs that we become concerned. A=asymmetry, moles should look the same when an imaginary line is drawn through it; B=border, the mole should have smooth well-defined edges; C=color, the mole should be one color tone; D=diameter, the mole should be smaller than a pencil eraser; E=evolving, the mole should not be changing.

Psoriasis

This skin condition causes red or pink scaly patches that are sometimes hard to decipher between eczema or other chronic skin conditions. It also has multiple categories and treatment depends upon the severity. In advanced stages, it may affect your joints causing arthritis.

Eczema

Eczema usually appears as red, scaly patches which can make the skin itchy and irritated. Like psoriasis, it can be hard to tell the difference from other skin conditions like a fungal or yeast infection. Although presentation usually appears in childhood it can continue through adulthood.

Vitiligo

Is a loss of pigmentation that causes white spots on the skin. It is autoimmune and can be stable or progressive affecting any part of the body. Due to the loss of pigment, the skin is more vulnerable to sun damage.

Hives

They are the raised red bumps on the skin that are usually itchy, as a result of an allergic reaction. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and can be chronic in nature. Further testing may be warranted to determine the underlying cause.

What is Skin Cancer and How Common is it in the U.S.?

Skin cancer occurs when there is a growth of abnormal cells in the skin tissues. Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma are the three categories of skin cancer. These cancers can occur on any part of the body but the areas that are more exposed to sun have a higher chance of developing skin cancer. Factors such as genetics, immunosuppression, and radiation play key roles.

Unfortunately, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Researchers believe that one in five Americans are likely to get this cancer by age 70. In children, skin cancer cases are rare but can occur, especially if there is a family history of skin cancer.

Thankfully, most skin cancers are treatable if diagnosed at an early stage. However, if diagnosis is not made at an early stage, the condition can worsen and may lead to death. But with a timely skin exam, your dermatology professional is likely to diagnose skin cancer at an early stage. Get it done for yourself and push your friends, family, and colleagues – Early cancer detection can save lives.

Types of Skin Cancers

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC occurs due to prolonged sun exposure, and it is the most common skin cancer among the three types. It can look like a small pink bump or pimple on the skin, appearing on any body part, especially the arms, neck, and head. With an early diagnosis, BCC is easily treated.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

The second most common type of skin cancer is SCC. Like BCC, it is also the result of excessive sun exposure. In appearance, it is different from BCC and looks like a dry pink patch. It may be easily confused with other conditions, like psoriasis or eczema. If caught early, it is easily treated, whereas later stages have the risk of spreading or metastases.

Melanoma

Because of the potential for distal spread to other parts of the body, melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer. It appears within a mole or as a dark spot. There are different stages of melanoma relating to its depth in the skin that predict prognosis. With early detection, melanoma is highly treatable.

What is a Full Body Skin Exam, and How Does it Help in Cancer Detection?

A full body skin exam involves complete skin scanning from head to toe. The purpose of this exam is to detect suspicious marks or symptoms that are related to skin diseases. Also known as “skin cancer screening,” it helps in detecting cancer at an early stage.

Full body exams are important for everyone. Skin cancer can also reoccur, which is why the full body exam is especially important for visually inspecting patients who have already been diagnosed with this cancer. However, not all skin spots and bumps are malignant. The core purpose of full body skin exams is early detection of skin-related issues that can help improve your skin’s health and eliminate the risk factors.

What Happens During the Exam?

full body exam check

Your dermatology professional will inspect the skin under bright light. Some clinicians also use a dermatoscope to have a clear look at the moles and skin lesions. During the exam, you will be asked a few questions related to your medical history.

How frequently do you expose your skin to the sun, and what steps do you take for skin protection against UV rays? Do you have a family history of skin cancer, and do you use tanning beds? Have you ever experienced the development of any new moles or spots of concern? Are there any non-healing wounds or sores? These are some common questions asked by a dermatology professional before and during the skin exam.

Your dermatology professional will ask about your occupation because people involved in professions like construction and landscaping get more sun exposure, which increases their chance of getting skin diseases. Likewise, people having a routine of prolonged sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing skin-related issues. Organ transplantation, immunosuppression, and tanning beds also increase this risk.

Is it Painful?

Full body exams are just the visual examination of your skin that is completely painless. During the exam, if the dermatology professional finds something suspicious, the next step is a biopsy.

A biopsy aims to diagnose skin diseases, including infections, skin cancer, or other causes of skin lesions. This diagnosis is done by microscopic testing of a small portion of your skin.

Many patients get worried after hearing about a biopsy. It’s nothing to be fearful of. Getting a biopsy done is not an indication of having skin cancer. It is just a diagnostic technique used to determine the type of skin lesion you have. Once detected at an early stage, even skin cancer can be treated.

How Often Should You Get an Exam?

Most dermatology professionals suggest getting an exam once a year. However, people who are at high risk of getting skin cancer and diseases should get more frequent exams. These people include the ones with a history of skin diseases and skin cancer, not just those with increased sun exposure. If you have any doubts, ask a certified dermatology professional . Also, book an appointment as soon as you notice any changes in your skin.

How Should You Prepare for a Full-Body Skin Exam?

Do not stress. Full-body skin exams are not at all harmful. Feeling a bit nervous in the first exam is normal. But take it easy and remember a few important points:

  • 1- You can wear any clothing you want.

    You can go to the office dressed as you normally do. Before the exam, you will be given a gown to change into to facilitate the visual inspection of your skin .

  • 2- Do not wear jewelry and makeup

    Make sure not to wear jewelry or anything else that can cover any part of your skin. Also, make sure to remove makeup and nail color from your fingers and toenails, as it will become a hindrance in inspection.

  • 3- Do not use heavy hairspray

    Hard hair makes it difficult to check your scalp. Therefore, try not to put any hair spray or product on your hair before you go for an exam.

  • 4- Make a list of things you want to discuss

    Sometimes, we forget the most important things we want to discuss in our exam. So, always jot down the important points. You can also take pictures of the moles or bumps you want to ask about.

Let Theresa Longo Dermatology Help You!

After knowing the importance of a full-body skin exam, you must be wondering what the right place is to get the exam done. At Theresa Longo Dermatology, we help you with complete skin care services, from skin conditions that require immediate attention to cosmetic procedures for enhancing your beauty. Book an appointment for your full body skin exam and step into healthier skin.