Age 20 - 80: Skin Cancer Testing (aug 25, 2020 – aug 25, 2080)

Description:

To test skin cancer, there is not a given time period to examine for the condition. However, it is advised to start regularly testing and examining for this cancer after 20 years of exposure to the sun. Skin cancer can appear at any time of a person's life because it is caused by how radiation affects a person's skin cells, such as basal and squamous cells. That said, it is important that I have a monthly self examination following the ABCDE rule, which looks for moles with asymmetry, irregular borders, weird colors, abnormal diameter, and evolution. If a mole represents 1 or more of the ABCDE category, then a physical exam can be done by a doctor in which will observe the severity of the mole and try to detect lumps. A dermatoscopy can be done where a dermatoscope, which is a special magnifying lens and light source held near the skin to see spots on the skin clearly. Finally, if my doctor is suspicious of skin cancer, a skin biopsy can be completed. A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope. The process of removal depends upon the size and location of the abnormal skin. Common removal methods might include using a surgical knife or an excision.