I Had a Skin Cancer Examination and I Was Thoroughly Impressed

Tag Archives: Skin Cancer

By John Sciria, Patient Care Coordinator at Lisa S. Ball, NP at the Neiman Dermatology Building

Working in dermatology for over 10 years, I know the significance of an annual skin cancer examination. But recently, I had my first at our office with Nurse Practitioner Lisa Ball (PhD, FNP-BC). Prior to that, I would usually just get a specific mole checked out, never a full-body exam. And I have to say, I don’t know why I waited so long.

The visit began with Lisa’s assistant Vicki gathering my medical history. From there, she then asked my reason for coming in. I explained to her that after a recent visit with my primary doctor he recommended that I get my moles checked out. After finishing with my history, Vicki then gave me a medical exam gown to get changed into and left the room.

A couple of minutes later, Lisa came in and began her examination. It was really interesting to observe firsthand as she used a dermatoscope (a handheld device used to check skin lesions) from head to toe. Throughout the assessment, she really paid close attention to hard-to-see areas such as the scalp and the back. Marked out suspicious spots, took pictures of them (for future reference), and even took a biopsy of a lesion on the back of my leg. To say she was thorough would be an understatement. Thirty minutes was allocated for my appointment, and she used every minute.

One thing I want to mention is just how good of a job Lisa did in making me feel comfortable and at ease (because let me tell you, standing in front of your boss in your underwear can be just a tad intimidating). But in all seriousness, this is something I hear all the time from her patients and it shows how great of a provider she truly is.

If you too would like to schedule an appointment will Lisa, or any of our other providers, contact our office today. Remember, when it comes to skin cancer, the best prevention is early detection!

With this month being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to emphasize the significance of protecting your skin and getting an annual skin examination. It is estimated that over three million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. That means roughly one in five people in the U.S. will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

So, what can you do to take care of your skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer? Here are some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) on how to do just that:

• Seek shade (when appropriate). Keep in mind that the sun’s harmful UV rays are most prevalent from 10am-2pm.
• Wear sun-protective clothing. Clothes that cover exposed areas of skin are ideal (ex. a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat).
• Apply sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant one with an SPF of at least 30.

Since skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, we encourage our patients to get their skin examined at least once a year. Whereas patients with a history of concerning lesions are seen more regularly. When conducting a skin cancer examination, we adhere to the ABCDEs of melanoma. They are as follows:

Skin Cancer Screening

A = Asymmetry. In early forms, malignant melanomas are asymmetrical, meaning that you cannot draw a line down the middle and have equal parts on each side.
B = Border. Uneven borders with irregularities or blurs.
C = Color. Varying shades of brown, blue, or black.
D = Diameter. Melanoma tends to be larger than normal moles, ones the size of a pencil eraser are something that you should look at closely.
E = Evolving. Any changes in the size, shape, color, or feel.

As you can see, there are some ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer. And even for those diagnosed with it, there is hope, but early detection is crucial. If you notice a suspicious spot, or would just like to have your skin evaluated, contact our office today.

Source(s): aad.org, skincancer.org

Spring Sun Safety

Spring is almost here, and that means more time spent out in the sun. Since the sun is a major source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, exposure to it can pose serious risks to our skin.

Although there are three types of UV rays, UVA and UVB are of the most concern. UVA rays are long wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermis causing skin aging and wrinkles. UVB rays are shorter wavelengths that are more superficial, causing damage in the form of redness and sunburns. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.

The first step you can take to protect your skin from these harmful rays is to use a broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum sunscreen. Make sure it’s an SPF of at least 30, combined with ingredients titanium and zinc dioxide. Reapply every two hours.

Next, avoid the sun and seek shade when the UV rays are strongest. This usually is between 10am and 2pm.

Lastly, try taking one aspirin an hour before going out in the sun to avoid a potential burn. If you do contract a sunburn however, try taking Advil or Motrin. This will help minimize the pain and inflammation associated with the burn.

These precautions will significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, while allowing for proper exposure to the sun. If you do notice anything suspicious on your skin, contact our office immediately. Early detection of skin cancer is crucial.

Did you know that melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer? Although it is less common than other forms of skin cancer it can spread quickly and develop anywhere on the skin. The disease is caused from overexposure to sun or ultraviolet radiation, especially within people that have fair skin.
There are five major signs/symptoms to look for when determining if you may have some form of Melanoma. These are known as the ABCDE’s of Melanoma and they include:

A-Asymmetry: Early forms of melanoma are asymmetrical, meaning that you cannot draw a line down the middle and have equal parts on each side.

B-Borders: Uneven borders with irregularities or blurs.
melanoma borders

C-Color: Varying shades of brown, blue or black.
melanoma color

D-Diameter (size): Melanoma tend to be larger than normal moles, ones the size of a pencil eraser are something that you should look at closely.melanoma diameter

E-Evolving: Any changes in the size, shape, color, or feel.
melanoma evolving

If you are unsure if any of these signs pertain to you or notice that some might, do not hesitate to set up an appointment immediately at the Lisa S. Ball, NP Building.

Legendary reggae musician Bob Marley was a larger-than-life personality whose influence transcended music. Sadly, on May 11, 1981 he passed away at the age of only 36. His premature death was believed to have been attributed to an acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM).

Bob Marley Van

What is acral lentiginous melanoma?

It is a rare (and deadly) form of skin cancer that is typically found on the palms of hands, soles on feet, or underneath the nails.

When was it first noticed?

The first indication of Marley’s melanoma occurred after a soccer game in the summer of 1977. During the game, he badly injured his right big toe. Thinking it was just a bruise, he didn’t end up getting it evaluated any further. In the coming days, the site of the injury worsened, so a biopsy (small sample removal of skin tissue) was done. This confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma.

What happened after?

The medical staff recommended that the toe, and possibly even the foot, be amputated to avoid the cancer from spreading. He instead opted for an excision (surgical removal of skin tissue) of the site and surrounding areas. The treatment was believed to have completely removed the cancerous lesion. Then a few years later, in September of 1980, he was diagnosed with a brain and lung tumor. It is believed that this was the result of the melanoma on his toe spreading before it received treatment. Eight months later, Bob Marley passed away in a Miami area hospital.

As tragic as this situation was, it highlights the importance of early detection. Because while melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, if found early, it can be one of the most treatable. So, if you haven’t had your skin examined in a while, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.