Did you know self-examinations can help detect cancer early?

It is as easy as ABCDE.

Dermatologists suggest regular skin examinations for early skin cancer detection, but did you know that a skin self-examination between dermatologist visits can help catch early or precancerous growths? Learn how to examine your skin in this article from the skin cancer experts at Suncoast Skin Solutions. The exam is simple; just follow the steps in this article. Early detection can give you or a family member the chance to catch and treat the cancer before it has the chance to spread. The key to an effective skin self-exam is being able to identify moles that are abnormal.

Patient Melanoma Success Stories

A client in our Lutz, Florida office reported some unusual growths to us in a recent visit after a self-exam. We froze off the suspicious ones and sent some of them off after performing a punch biopsy for the pathologist to review. All ended well.

Another Florida patient reported Suncoast’s dermatologists catching her melanoma early and being cancer-free for the following five years.

Identifying Normal vs Abnormal Moles

Typical or normal moles are usually one color, ranging from light to dark. Common mole colors are lighter browns such as tan, medium or dark brown, or black. They generally have a border which clearly distinguishes them from the adjacent skin. Their shape may be oval in or circular. They are relatively small in size and on average measure less than a quarter of an inch or six millimeters in diameter.

Any mole that does not meet the criteria of normal, is atypical. There is an even easier way to distinguish abnormalities in moles in a self-exam. Follow the ABCDE guide developed and provided by the American Academy of Dermatology.

In case you notice a mole that doesn’t resemble any other, be sure to make an appointment with an experienced board-certified dermatologist for a skin evaluation.

When in doubt, have it checked out.

Melanomas are dangerous, especially if detected late or in advanced stages. They can appear anywhere on your body, even in places that are not commonly exposed to the sun’s rays. Book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist if you suspect one or more skin growths to be abnormal. When it comes to melanoma, the simple rule is: When in doubt, have it checked out.

ABCDE is a method to detect whether your mole might be cancerous.

• Always consult a dermatologist to evaluate potentially cancerous moles. The self-exam is a good practice to do in between visits to the dermatologist. Each letter of the acronym is listed and described below:

A Stands for Asymmetry

Most cancerous moles have an asymmetrical or irregular shape. That means that if you were to draw a straight line across the mole, the two halves formed would not match. Thus, it isn’t an oval, circle or symmetrical mole. If you notice an irregular shape to one or more moles, consult your dermatologist for a full-skin evaluation.

B Stands for Border

Cancerous moles tend to have notched or scalloped borders which are uneven. Normal moles have smooth and even edges.

C stands for Color

Benign moles often have a single shade throughout. Identify any moles that have multiple colors or have colors with varying shades within the same mole.  Note: While considered rare types, there are melanomas which are colorless.

D Stands for Diameter

Normal moles should have a diameter which is no more than six millimeters or a quarter of an inch. Look for larger moles that exceed the size of a pencil eraser.

E Stands for Evolving

Be sure to identify moles that are changing on your skin. They may change in color, size, shape, or even texture. Make note of any mole changes you notice over time.

Ugly Duckling Melanoma Identification Strategy

The Skin Cancer Foundation provides a second effective strategy for identifying moles in a self-examination. The so-called ugly duckling strategy focuses on finding the moles that stand out from the others on a person’s skin. The moles on your skin should resemble one another. Melanomas will often stand out and look different from the rest of the moles. When a mole shows that variance, take note and advise your dermatologist.

Suncoast Skin Solutions is Florida’s “Most Trusted” Dermatology practice. We have dermatologists available on the West Coast, East Coast, and Central Florida. Call our dermatologist locator line to find a provider near you at 813.321.1786.

For years, we have seen the results of microneedling in reducing the signs of aging on the faces of celebrities and on reality television shows. What might surprise you is some of the unexpected benefits of the procedure. In addition to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, microneedling has these three natural healing benefits:

3 Surprising Microneedling Benefits

• Acne Treatment
• Acne Scar Reduction
• Burn Wounds and Scarring Repair

Yes, the increased collagen production from this treatment helps with natural healing process. Note: For acne scarring, the treatment is best used for depressed scars, rather than raised scars.

What is Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive dermatological procedure in which fine sterilized needles are used to create microscopic punctures to the skin using a specialized tool. The induced trauma to the skin triggers the skin’s healing process to produce collagen and elastin, resulting in a healthier and more youthful appearance. Another benefit of the procedure is that it enables the skin to better absorb anti-aging products. Microneedling is also referred to as collagen induction therapy (CIT). It is a popular choice by both practitioners and patients due to its effectiveness in rejuvenation using the skin’s natural healing ability.

History of Microneedling

Microneedling is not a new cosmetic procedure. In fact, its origin dates back to ancient history. Microneedling was first introduced thousands of years ago as an acupuncture-type protocol in China and Asia. The first record of an actual procedure being performed was in 1905 by a dermatologist in Germany who used it to treat both scars and birth marks. In 1995, a physician in Philadelphia began using microneedling for scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Suncoast Skin Solutions uses one of the best tools on the market for microneedling results. Rejuvapen is a high-performing tool that has built-in precision and safety features.  Below are some of the pre-treatment considerations recommended by Suncoast Skin Solutions’ dermatologists.

Avoid microneedling within 2 weeks of a Botox treatment, as this may affect the distribution of the Botox beyond the injection site.

Avoid microneedling for 2-4 weeks after filler treatment to avoid an inflammatory reaction.

Looking for microneedling in Florida? Our locator service is available by calling Suncoast Skin Solution’s main appointment center. Many of our dermatology clinics offer microneedling.

813.321.1786

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, Mohs surgery was likely recommended to you as one of the most effective treatment options. This surgery requires high precision and advanced training and experience are recommended to produce the best outcome.  Surgeons who have successfully completed the fellowship program are in high demand as they are trained to remove the portion of the tissue that has cancer cells and leave the healthy tissue in place with a high degree of precision.

What is Mohs Surgery

According to the Mayo Clinic, the Mohs surgical technique involves removing thin layers of skin in a progressive manner, until the cancer is fully removed, leaving the healthy skin intact. Recently, with the addition of the ability to freeze tissue, tumors are able to be removed with 99% accuracy. While other surgical options exist for skin cancer treatment, the Mohs method is desirable as it removes the cancer while posing only a minimal risk to damaging the surrounding healthy skin tissue. The more precise the surgery, the better the outcome for the patient.

Mohs Fellowship Program

Some of the best Mohs surgeons completed the fellowship program, accredited by the American College of Mohs Surgery. The fellowship program has a duration of one to two years. Acceptance into the program is highly competitive with the best-qualified physicians selected to participate. The program instructors are experienced Mohs surgeons who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency with the technique. These instructors serve as one-on-one trainers for each dermatologist who participates in the fellowship program. While board-certified physicians are able to perform the Mohs procedure, experienced Mohs surgeons who are fellowship-trained are sought after by skin cancer patients.

Requirements of Mohs Fellowship Training

• Be a part of at least five hundred Mohs surgery cases
• Correctly analyze and evaluate tissue samples removed during surgery
• Participate in numerous reconstructive tissue surgeries

Suncoast Skin Solutions has six fellowship-trained surgeons on staff who serve ten Florida locations.