Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer existing in the world. It can strike at any age group. Most people do not consider skin cancer as a serious problem. However, it is important to know that the cancer can be really difficult to handle or even deadly if not treated directly.
It is important to keep on performing regular self examination so that you can come to know about the problem at an early stage.
Here are certain tips on examining your self for skin cancer so that the disease does not turn out to be serious or ugly in the future. While conducting a self examination, you should keep in mind that about 1 in 5 people can have some form of skin cancer in their entire lifetime.
Experts recommend that you need to check yourself for skin cancer on a monthly basis in order to spot the problem.
You would require some mirrors in order to see all parts of your body. Try to check the entire area of your body. You need to analyze your head, face and scalp in the mirror.
Gradually examine the other parts of your body. Make sure that you check the genital areas also check the portion between your toes well.
When doing a self examination for skin cancer, you must check for irregular moles. Usually, mal-formed moles are a result of malignant melanoma. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer. If you find an asymmetrical mole on your body, consult your doctor.
Remember that most moles complete their growth prior to the age of twenty. In case, the mole on your body starts growing after the age of twenty, consult your doctor immediately.
Another important thing to check for irregularities on the borders of the mole. The borders should be well defined and uniform in growth. Another symptom of skin cancer is a mole that changes color to a dark red, black or white. This is a direct indication of development of skin cancer on your body.
Remember that early diagnosis may be the only way to surviving skin cancer. In case, you spot anything you might feel a problem, consult an oncologist or dermatologist on an immediate basis. A little caution from your side may do wonders to your body.
Moles on the body can turn in to cancerous melanomas. Hence it is very important to check your moles on a regular basis and talk to your doctor whenever you feel that there is a sign of danger.
The best thing to do is to follow a 4 step, A-B-C-D guide when checking your moles. In case, any of the points mentioned below are true, talk to your doctor right away.
a) Asymmetry
In case, ½ of the mole does not match the other half, there is a problem. Any mole or birthmark with skin growth that increases in size should be reported to doctor.
b) Border
The border of the mole should not be ragged, notched or blurred.
c) Color
In case, the mole is a mixture of brown, black and tan contact a doctor.
d) Diameter
A mole larger than pencil eraser is an important sign of skin cancer.
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