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Definition Return to top
Skin self-exam means checking your own skin regularly for any abnormal growths or unusual changes. This helps you detect and treat skin cancer (or other skin abnormalities) as early as possible.How the test is performed Return to top
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend that people should perform a skin self-exam once a month.
The easiest time to do the exam may be after you take a bath or shower. Women may wish to perform their skin self-exam at the same time that they perform their monthly breast self-exam.
Ideally, the room should have a full-length mirror and bright lights so that you can see your entire body well. It is important to examine all areas of your skin, including hard-to-see areas, such as the genitals, buttocks, scalp, and back.
When you are performing the skin self-exam, look for:
How to examine your skin:
The following recommendations are from the NIC and ADD:
Why the test is performed Return to top
A skin self-exam is important to give you the best chance to detect abnormalities of your skin early. The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the better chance for a cure.Special considerations Return to top
You should contact your health care provider if you find any new abnormalities on your skin, or if you see changes in size, color, or texture of old moles or skin lesions. You should also call if you have a skin lesion that won't heal. Update Date: 10/27/2003 Updated by: Jeffrey Drayer, M.D., Dermatologist, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |