The Importance of an After-Summer Skin Exam

THE IMPORTANCE OF AN AFTER-SUMMER SKIN EXAM What to Expect During a Full Body Skin Exam Visit usually lasts about 15 minutes You'll review your medical history with your dermatologist ! You can ask your doctor about any trouble spots or concerns -> Your doctor will give you a head-to-toe examination Reasons to Have a Full Body Skin Exam 1 EARLY DETECTION Skin cancer affects more than 2 million Americans each year Identifying skin issues early increases the chances of successful treatment 2 TRACKING CHANGES Changes in moles and freckles can indicate problems Your doctor will be able to tell if something has changed since your last exam 3 FAMILY HISTORY 10% of patients with melanoma have a family history of the disease Cancers are usually caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors 4 SUN EXPOSURE 42% of people get sunburned at least once a year A history of 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma What Doctors Look For During a Skin Exam • Irregularities or changes in the shape, color, or feel of moles A: Asymmetrical shape can be a symptom of melanoma B: Borders may be uneven or ragged C: Color may be uneven and show black, brown, or tan 6. D: A Diameter of more than 6 millimeters may arouse suspicion E: Evolution, or changes of any kind in an existing mole Infographic Provided By: Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia, Inc. DAN Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia www.dermdocsva.com Sources: http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/abed.htm http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-ex- perts/what-should-i-expect-from-a-full-body-skín-exam http://www.webmd.com/cancer/physical-exam-of-the-skin-for-skin-cancer http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detec- tion/make-the-most-of-your-visit-to-the-dermatoloģist http://www.genome.gov/10000184 http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/facts-about-sun- burn-and-skin-cancer