Skin Examination

The number of skin cancer cases increases constantly around the globe. Western countries face an increase of new cases currently by about four per cent per year. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of recovery are good. That is why it is advisable to have a skin screening once a year.

Skin cancer can develop within a short period. The tricky thing about skin cancer is that it does not cause any pain in its early stages. It is therefore important to detect and treat cancer before it spreads to other parts of your body. The best precaution against skin cancer is blocking UV rays with sun protective clothing and sunscreen. However, it is neither possible nor healthy to avoid sunlight completely. After all, our skin needs UV rays to produce vitamin D, a vital vitamin.

The procedure of a skin screening

With a skin screening, the surface of your skin is thoroughly examined and suspicious spots are analysed. Reflected light microscopy (dermoscopy) is a non-invasive way of examining pigmented skin lesions and diagnosing skin cancer.

Prescan uses state-of-the-art examination methods that are able to detect skin changes that are not visible to the naked eye. An important part of our skin screening is the examination of moles and birthmarks. A malignant melanoma resembles a new mole in its early stages, but can also develop from an existing mole. A regular skin cancer screening can detect such changes early on.

There is an ABCDE rule that helps you to regularly check your moles and birthmarks yourself.

A – Asymmetry

B – Boundary

C – Colour

D – Diameter

E – Elevation