Friday, February 9, 2018
How to Do a Monthly Self-Exam for Skin Cancer
Possessing more than four decades of professional experience, Dr. Norman Brooks began his career at the University of Colorado, where he earned his MD. After finishing his MD, Dr. Norman Brooks completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin. Currently, he provides dermatologic services to patients at the Skin Cancer Medical Center, where he primarily performs Mohs micrographic surgery for treatment.
While Mohs surgery is an effective treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers, individuals can reduce their risk by completing a short, 10-minute self-exam every month. The exam starts by removing all of your clothes in front of a full-length mirror. You should then use a hand mirror to get a good view of every area of skin on your body and try to make a mental note of moles, freckles, and blemishes. Sometimes, it is helpful to take photos or draw diagrams to keep track.
You should make sure that you see every part of your skin, including the top of your head and the bottoms of your feet. Whenever you notice a change in your moles, whether it has to do with their size, shape, or color, you should contact a dermatologist. Also, meet with a physician if your skin begins to feel or look different. This documentation can help catch problems before they become serious.
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