People have always seemed to overlook the issue of skin cancer checking. Still, early detection is the beginning of a successful recovery, right? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer; it is also one of the most preventable and curable types of cancer if diagnosed early.
Somewhere near 2 out of every 3 Australians will be developing some forms of skin cancer sometime in their lifetime. So, why not make the checking of skin cancer part of your routine?
The Importance of Early Detection
First and foremost, early detection saves lives. Melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, has a 99 percent five-year survival rate when early detection occurs. Pretty impressive, right? That means that if you catch melanoma at an early stage, the chances of beating it will be substantially higher.
Early detection can also save you from invasive treatments. Can you envision having to go through just a minor surgical procedure as opposed to intensive chemotherapy? Sounds much better, right?
What to Check For Skin Cancer
At this point, you must be thinking, Okay, but what am I to look for? Well, good question! Checking for skin cancer involves scanning your skin for unusual changes. Here are some signs to look for:
- Asymmetry: If you draw a line through the middle of a mole, both halves should look the same. If they don’t-that’s a red flag.
- Border: Edges that are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- Color: Different shades of brown, black, tan, or even patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: Anything larger than the size of a pencil eraser should be checked out.
- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour or elevation.
Remember, not all skin cancers fit these criteria, so if you notice anything unusual, it’s always best to get it checked.
My Clinic Skin Check: What to Expect
If you are considering a skin check here at The Doctors Mackay, you will be wise. You might feel a little apprehensive, which is completely normal. On the other hand, knowing what generally takes place can help you dispel some of that anxiety. At The Doctor Mackay clinic, during a skin check, this is what usually transpires:
- Medical History: Your medical history may be discussed, including previous skin conditions and familial problems with skin cancer.
- Full Body Exam: He will examine your body, front and back, including parts of the body that are not easily visible to you, such as the back and scalp.
- Dermatoscope: He may use a special magnifying device, called a dermatoscope, to get a closer look at any suspicious marks.
- Photographs: Sometimes pictures are taken to compare later and track changes.
- Biopsy: If anything looks unusual, GP at The Doctors Mackay will take a small amount of tissue for further study.
This is usually quick and painless, taking roughly 20 to 30 minutes in general.
Why Choose The Doctors Mackay Clinic for Your Skin Check?
The choice of the place for skin examination is very important. The Doctors Mackay clinic specializes in dermatology, channeling all its effort into early detection and prevention in case of skin cancer. In our clinic, we have a highly trained team using advanced equipment to obtain results with the highest possible accuracy. Besides, we believe in comfort and support for the patient. After all, your peace is very important to us.
Self-Examination Tips
Yes, though regular professional checks are important, it is also necessary that you be carrying out self-examinations. It is easier than you may think. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Use a Mirror: Stand in front of a full-length mirror and use a hand-held mirror to check hard-to-see areas.
- Good Lighting: The room should be well-lit.
- Check All Over: Remember to check your scalp, soles of your feet, between your toes, and under your nails.
- Keep a Record: Photograph moles or spots to track changes over time.
- Monthly Routine: Set it in your mind that you will do this every month.
What is done during a full-body skin check?
You can be sure that in the case of a visit to skin-checking clinics, such as The Doctors Mackay, a close check will be performed. The General Practitioners (GPs) working in these hospitals are accomplished professionals in dermatology and diagnosis of skin cancer.
They carry out professional checks on your skin. A full-body skin check would involve careful examination of your skin by the doctor for any suspicion that might lead to skin cancer. They would consider the size, color, shape, and other relevant factors of the abnormalities or potential areas of concern.
Advanced equipment available at the clinic, such as dermatoscopes and digital imaging, enable doctors to give accurate diagnoses. They can identify very minor changes in your skin that send out signals about the presence of skin cancer. Such a diagnosis helps ensure that a small problem is identified way in advance and is treated in due course.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
If skin cancer is detected through the screen, a doctor at The Doctors Mackay will talk over the findings with you and develop your personal treatment plan. Depending on what specific type of skin cancer you have and the stage of progression, treatments will vary. Common treatments include the following:
- Topical Creams: There are some forms of skin cancer, such as superficial basal cell carcinoma, where topical creams, with their efficiency in treating the cancer, might be recommended by physicians.
- Cryotherapy: This is the freezing of cancerous cells using liquid nitrogen. It’s quick and a relatively painless treatment that’s often used to deal with small and superficial skin cancers.
- Surgical Excision: Larger skin cancers, or those that are invasive, may require the simple surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. Many such procedures can be comfortably performed in the clinic under local anesthesia.
The name goes that The Doctor Mackay is based on the proficiency of minimally invasive treatments in dealing effectively with your needs. With this in mind, they try to incorporate a variety of treatments in offering the best care for you.
Conclusion
Why not, then, make skin cancer checks routine? It’s a simple yet mighty step toward the protection of health. Thanks to The Doctors Mackay, you are guaranteed early detection of changes in your skin that will raise your chances for successful treatment.
