A Brief Overview of Skin Cancer Self Examinations

Dr. Norman Brooks serves as a dermatologist and owner of The Skin Cancer Medical Center in Encino, California. As a dermatologist, Dr. Norman Brooks, MD, screens patients for common and serious skin conditions and provides instruction on how to perform a self-examination.

Exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer. Unfortunately, the vast majority of humans experience direct exposure to the sun on a daily basis. With this in mind, individuals should educate themselves on detecting the early signs of skin cancer. Early detection is of vital importance when it comes to treating skin cancer, as individuals face a 98 percent survival rate five years after treatment with early detection, compared to 62 percent when cancer reaches the lymph nodes and just 18 percent following metastasis.

Annual skin checks with a respected dermatologist represent a great starting point for skin cancer screening. While dermatologists can detect early tumor development, individuals are encouraged to continue screening in between appointments. Self-examinations should be conducted in a well-lit room with the aid of a full-length mirror and a hand mirror, the latter of which can help detect abnormalities on the back and other hard to view areas. Using a hair dryer can streamline the process of checking the scalp.

In some cases, individuals may need to reach out to a friend or family member to complete an exam. Anyone involved in a self-exam should be on the lookout for new moles or moles and skin tags that have changed in shape or size. Growths are particularly concerning if they do not bleed or scab over, while moles should be checked for irregular borders and discoloration.

The appearance of a new mole or unusual skin growth should in no way be confused with an official skin cancer diagnosis. That said, any subject of concern should immediately be brought to the attention of a trusted physician.

Recent Studies Address Melanoma Treatment and Identification

Well-known in his field as a skin cancer expert, Norman A. Brooks, MD, treats patients of all ages at the Skin Cancer Medical Center in Encino, California. Dr. Norman Brooks stays informed of developments in his field through publications such as the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Sun & Skin News.

The news website’s highlighted research includes a 2017 study that found that treating skin cancer at the earliest possible moment following diagnosis was critical in avoiding more invasive procedures later. Of particular concern is melanoma. Treating Stage I patients a month after biopsy was associated with a 5 percent increase in mortality risk. At 60 days, the risk increased to 16 percent, at 90 days to 29 percent, and by 119 days the increase in risk was 41 percent. 

Another study highlighted the importance of looking for new, as well as changing moles. A literature review of 38 published studies spanning more than 20,000 melanomas indicated that less than a third of melanomas came about from an existing mole. Some 71 percent arose as new growths on skin that had previously appeared normal. This means that both familiarizing oneself with existing moles and actively searching for new moles are essential to skin cancer prevention.

Boosting Mood in the Sunlight, without Sun Exposure

Based in Encino, California, Norman A. Brooks, MD, guides the Skin Cancer Medical Center and provides surgical and non-surgical pathways to addressing skin cancer and other skin issues. Dr. Norman Brooks maintains a strong patient focus and emphasizes the importance of finding alternatives to “basking in the sun” as a way of improving one’s mood. 

With bright sunny days in the park or on the beach connecting many with childhood memories of freedom and fun, this sense of carefreeness has a hidden danger. Too much sun and ultraviolet radiation exposure can boost the chances of skin cancer and cause premature skin aging.

The positive news is that the psychological benefits of sunlight are not derived from direct sun exposure on the skin. Rather, they reflect the way the optic nerve sends messages to the brain and impacts melatonin and other hormones that guide the sleep-wake cycle. In addition, light processed by the brain leads to the release of mood balancing chemicals such as serotonin. This means that sitting on a park bench in the shade or walking outdoors with proper protection such as hat and long sleeved shirt can be just as powerful in elevating mood as sunbathing.

Health Conditions That Increase the Likelihood of Skin Cancer

A well-established Encino, California, physician, Norman Brooks, MD, leads The Skin Cancer Medical Center. Patient centered, Dr. Norman Brooks strives to discern optimal pathways to skin and overall health. A common question of patients is whether another medical condition can lead to an elevated risk of skin cancer.

Those who receive organ transplants and undergo antirejection drug regimens that suppress the immune system are among those at an increased for skin cancer. Additionally, those with autoimmune diseases are at a greater risk of the disease. With these types of conditions, the body mistakenly works to eliminate healthy tissue, as its ability to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue is compromised. This can result in an increased risk of common types of skin cancer such as basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Another condition linked with skin cancer in recent years is endometriosis, which involves tissue lining from the uterus lining failing to shed through the menstrual cycle and instead becoming trapped in another part of the body. A study published in Cancer Causes Control involving approximately 100,000 French women found that endometriosis might be related to an elevated risk of skin cancer.