Suki and Aileen demonstrate how to check your skin for cancer at home. They cover the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving changes. The video walks through examining your face, scalp, neck, arms, torso, back, legs, and feet, then reminds you to see a dermatologist if you spot anything new or changing.
Hi, my name is Suki, and I'm Aileen. Today we're going to be demonstrating how to do a self-skin exam to screen for skin cancer. A yearly checkup with Dr. Yoo and self-skin exams are the best way to ensure that you don't become a skin cancer statistic.
These exams are important to be able to identify various types of skin cancers and precancers.
These exams can be used to identify various skin cancers and precancers. The things we are looking for include dysplastic nevi, also known as irregular moles. Next, we're looking for actinic keratoses, which are rough, scaly, precancerous spots caused by exposure to UV rays. These can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. We are also looking for basal cell carcinoma. This is the most common form of skin cancer. And it affects the basal cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. If caught and treated early, BCC has close to a 100% cure rate. However, aggressive cases have been known to metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. Next, we are looking for squamous cell carcinoma. This is the second most common form of skin cancer. It's caused by uncontrolled growth of squamous cells in the epidermis. If left untreated, SCC will also metastasize. Finally, we're looking for melanoma. This is the most serious form of skin cancer. It starts in the melanocytes, which produce melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. As it progresses to later stages, melanoma can penetrate deeper into the skin and eventually metastasize.
When screening for melanoma specifically, it is important to remember the ABCDE guidelines.
A stands for asymmetry. Melanomas are often asymmetrical, and when you draw a line through their middle, their halves don't match. Look for any irregularly shaped moles on your body.
B stands for border irregularity. Most melanomas have uneven borders. Their borders may appear ragged, scalped, or notched when compared with the smooth, even borders of common moles.
C stands for color. Melanomas are varied shades of brown, tan, or black, as opposed to common moles, which are a single shade of brown. In later stages, shades of red, white, or blue may also appear.
D is for diameter. Often melanomas grow to be larger in size than common moles. The general guideline is the size of a pencil eraser, approximately 6mm or a quarter of an inch.
E stands for evolving. Any changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting may be signs of melanoma.
These 5 guidelines are the key to identifying melanoma at an early stage. If you find something suspicious, please consult with your dermatologist.
An important thing to remember is that skin cancer is the cancer that you can see. Being vigilant can ease treatment and prevent further complications. I will now demonstrate how to do a self-skin exam. Make sure you're in a place with adequate lighting a handheld mirror, and a full-length mirror.
First, examine your face, head, and neck. Thoroughly look at your face and use a mirror to clearly view your ears, the back of your ears, and your neck. Look through your scalp, lifting your hair to expose each section. You can use a blow dryer for easy access. Next, proceed to the hands and arms. Carefully check your arm, your palms, the back of the hands, between the fingers, and the nails. Using a mirror as needed, examine your forearms and upper arms. Don't forget to check your underarms. The torso and back are next. You will need a mirror for this part. Examine the front of your torso, focusing on your chest. Turn your back to the mirror and use a handheld mirror to look at your back. Using the same method with two mirrors, you can also scan the back of your legs and buttocks. Finally, prop up your legs one at a time to examine them fully. Starting at the top of your leg and progressing to the shins, check all the sides. Don't forget to examine your genitals. Finish with your ankles and feet, including the soles, toes, and toenails.
If you find anything new, changing, or unusual, please consult with your dermatologist.
Thank you for taking the time to watch this video.
