Skin Cancer: What cancer Screening is all about?
Total Body Skin Examination (TBSE)
People should be mindful of changes in their skin, such as a new mole or a change to an existing mole, and inform their doctor immediately.
During a Total Body Skin exam, the specialist will comprehensively check for moles or uncommon conditions on your skin’s surface. It is suggested to have a total body skin exam at least once per year. Clinical skin exams are beneficial in early detection of skin cancers, such as melanoma, the lethal form of skin cancer.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A TBSE?
Expect 10 to 20 minutes’ appointment including a review of your medical history and a head-to-toe skin examination. This is your chance to ask any suspicious areas on your skin you may be worried about. If there are any suspicious findings and any pertinent personal and family history, your doctor will recommend a follow-up appointment.
How do I know if I should get a Total Body Skin Examination (TBSE)?
If you have the following:
- Fair skin
- Sunburn
- Personal history of Skin Cancer
- Freckles
- Moles
- Family history of Skin Cancer
Any changing (growing, change in color) mole
Any symptomatic (itching, bleeding, burning) moles
These are some, but not all, of the symptoms that you may need a TBSE. Patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer (specifically melanoma) will need more repeated TBSEs.
Reference:
https://www.dermskin.com/skin-exams
https://www.kassirdermatology.com/general-dermatology/total-body-skin-exam/
