Routine examination of the skin remains the best method to detect skin cancers in an early stage. Examining your skin regularly for any suspicious mole is the best way to detect skin cancer when it is still amenable to cure by simple excision. In order to do a thorough self-examination of the skin for melanomas, it requires a full-length mirror, a hand mirror and a well-lighted room. You may require the assistance of a friend or relative to conduct the exam. Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then right and left sides with arms raised. Bend your elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms and palms. Examine the backs of your legs and feet. Be sure not to overlook the spaces between your toes and on the sole of the feet. Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror Finally, examine the backs of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. It may be necessary to part you hair with a comb to thoroughly examine the scalp. Melanomas that might be defined as "hidden" are those that develop in areas of the body where they are out of site. These include the skin underneath the fingernails and toenails. These cancers may also develop in the tissues that line the nose, mouth, genitalia, anus and mucous membranes of the eye. There are also the extremely rare melanomas that develop as an apparent primary lesion originating in an internal organ such as the liver, lung, esophagus, gall bladder, middle ear, brain and intestine.
Causes of Skin Self-examination
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Self-examination
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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