Current methods for early detection of skin cancer primarily involve visual examination of the skin, both through self-examination and clinical assessment by healthcare providers. However, there is insufficient evidence that screening through visual examination methods can detect skin cancer early and reduce skin cancer mortality.
Furthermore, mobile phone applications that evaluate skin lesions to detect skin cancer and malignant melanoma have been launched. However, the use of such applications for the assessment of skin cancer has been problematic because of the lack of evidence of their diagnostic accuracy and because they have not been studied in large-scale screening programs.
Even though the effectiveness of examination is uncertain, skin exams are commonly recommended by healthcare professionals as a precautionary measure and for early detection.
Let’s understand the types of visual examination methods that can help find skin cancer early.
Skin cancer is the cancer you can see. Unlike cancers that develop inside the body, skin cancers form on the outside and are usually visible. That’s why skin exams, both at home (self-examination) and with a dermatologist (clinical examination), are especially vital. Although, the effectiveness of these examinations is uncertain, learning what to look for on your own skin might help you detect cancer early when it’s easiest to cure, and ultimately avoid late detection.
Self examination
Skin self-examination is important for monitoring changes in your skin.It is a method that can be performed at home by following the recommended step. By regularly inspecting your skin, you can catch abnormalities early, including potential signs of skin cancer.
It is important to remember that self-examination alone may not always detect cancer early and it’s equally important to do clinical examinations by healthcare professionals in terms of detecting skin cancer.
A skin self-exam can be pursued by following the below steps.
Clinical Examination
A clinical skin examination is a thorough assessment of an individual’s skin by a dermatologist or healthcare provider. It involves visually inspecting the skin for abnormalities and using specialized tools if necessary. These examinations are crucial for early detection and management of skin conditions like cancer and infections, leading to better treatment outcomes.