The Value of Total-Body Skin Examinations for Skin Cancer

Understanding the Recent Publication by the British Journal of Dermatology (BJD)

The incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers has been increasing over the past decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year. Therefore, would it be prudent to perform total-body skin examinations for skin cancer for patients who see a dermatologist for non-skin cancer reasons?

Performing Total-Body Skin Examinations to Non-Skin Cancer Related Patients

This recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology studied the cost and time associated with performing total-body skin examinations for skin cancer to patients who came to the dermatologist for non-skin cancer related reasons.  Whilst it is common for patients with a prior skin cancer diagnosis to receive a total-body examination, this is not the case for patients who see the dermatologist for other conditions such as acne.

What did they find?

The results suggest that performing these exams on older patients with light skin tones was more likely to detect skin cancers, even if patient had come in for a different skin complaint.

Thus, targeting older patients with light skin tones for total-body examinations is a better use of physician and patient time, and can help detect skin cancer at the earliest possible stage.

You can read the plain-language summary of this study by clicking here.

Putting this Research into Action: Our Total-Body Skin Examinations Provide Ultra-Modern Mole Checking & Skin Cancer Detection

All of our mole checks are carried out by highly specialised consultant dermatologists. The consultant dermatologist personally examines the patient and selects which moles need to have more detailed monitoring.

Dermoscopy: Revolutionising Mole Diagnoses in Dermatology

We use the latest technology in dermatology to visualise moles and lesions in ways superior to traditional methods. This includes the latest-generation dermatoscope, which is able to visualise the in vivo evaluation of colours and microstructures of the epidermis, the dermoepidermal junction, and the papillary dermis not visible to the naked eye. These structures are specifically correlated to histologic features. This non-invasive method is sometimes able to provide an immediate diagnosis, saving our patients the pain, scarring, anxiety, and costs associated with a physical biopsy. However, if your dermatologist believes a biopsy to be appropriate, we have an on-site theatre where your dermatologist will personally excise any suspicious moles, and provide a detailed histopathological analysis from the laboratory.

Results are stored digitally to establish a baseline for future observation. Patients will receive a systematic full body dermoscopy examination. We take digital dermoscopic images of some moles, and compare them at future consultations.

Total-Body Mapping: 

You may also opt for total body mapping (TBM) at your mole check. This technology is ideal for people with a high number of freckles or moles, or who have had a previous skin cancer diagnosis. This remarkable technology takes images of your entire skin from head-to-toe. TBM keeps an accurate record of your skin over time. The cutting-edge software in combination with a consultant dermatologist dramatically increases the likelihood of catching changes at each annual mole check.

Melanoma and other skin cancers respond well to treatment when caught early. Our non-invasive, painless technology can detect skin cancer at the earliest possible stage. We give patients peace of mind knowing that their skin is being continuously monitored by leading dermatologists and the most advanced technology for dermatology in the UK. Book your highly specialised mole check today!

If you do have any skin worries, or notice any irregularities or new moles on your skin, it’s important to get them checked out promptly:
call us on +44 (0)20 3575 1474 or visit our contact page to get in touch as soon as possible.

References:

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjd.19352?fbclid=IwAR1GUFsM64kIEEI01IBNWBDtUD0CMO7iGhimvBhtS_wmbktUZVLZJqYQI7s

2. https://www.who.int/uv/resources/FAQ/skincancer/en/index1.html#:~:text=Currently%2C%20between%202%20

and%203,skin%20cancer%20in%20their%20lifetime.

3. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/melanoma-skin-cancer#heading-Four