November 2016
Melanoma is one type of skin cancer. By doing a simple skin self-exam every month, you can improve your chances of finding a melanoma early. In addition to doing routine skin self-exams, you should have your skin checked regularly by your primary-care doctor or a dermatologist. If your primary-care doctor finds something suspicious, you will be referred to a dermatologist.
Some melanomas do not fit the rules described in this article. It is important to tell your doctor about any changes or new spots on your skin. You should also tell your doctor about any growths that look different than the rest of your moles.
When you do your monthly skin self-exam, look for spots with any of the following:
- (A) Asymmetry: One half of the area does not match the other half.
- (B) Border: The edges are uneven or ragged.
- (C) Color: The color is not the same all over and may have more than one shade or color present.
- (D) Diameter: The size is larger than a pencil eraser (6 millimeters).
- (E) Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape or color.
How to Check Your Skin
After a bath or shower, stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room. Use a hand-held mirror to look at areas that are hard to see.
- Begin with the face and scalp and work downward. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and check your right and left sides.
- With your elbows bent, look carefully at your forearms, underarms, fingernails and palms of your hands.
- Check the backs of your legs, the top and bottom of your feet, toenails and between your toes.
- Next, using a hand mirror, look at the back of your neck and scalp. Carefully check your scalp by parting your hair
- Finally, use a hand mirror and check your back, groin and buttocks.
By checking your skin regularly, you will know what is normal for you. It is helpful to record the dates of your skin exams, and to write notes about the way your skin looks. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor right away.
Source: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
