We’re all guilty of it. Lounging by the pool or along the sandy coast, with a warm breeze and our favorite tunes playing, while soaking up the sun. However, many of us don’t take the proper precautions to avoid the damaging affects of UVA and UVB rays.
The American Cancer society estimates that in 2014 there were about 76,000 new cases of melanoma and about 9,700 deaths from Melanoma*.
The good news is that melanoma is preventable, and treatable if caught early.
What should moles look like?
A mole is usually an evenly colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin. It can either be flat or raised, round or oval. A mole can be present at birth, or it can appear as you age, and they typically stay the same size, shape, and color for many years.
Why are annual Dermatologist visits recommended?
Most moles are harmless, but it’s important to have your dermatologist check your body on a regular basis to identify if there are changes in the size, shape, or color of your moles. They will also check to see if a new spots on your skin have appeared or if any moles on your body look different from the rest of your moles — these may be warning signs for developing skin cancer.
What is Body Mapping and what are its benefits?
Belcara Health’s Body Mapping service (also called mole mapping) is one of the best ways to document and track the moles on your skin. This service consists of a complete skin analysis including high resolution, medical photographs which are taken from head to toe. These photographic images provide a foundation for determining if there are any changes in your moles during follow-up visits with our dermatologist. Patients will also receive a copy of their full body images so they can self-assess and follow skin changes at home. These baseline photos are effective in recognizing subtle changes in moles that could be indicative of melanoma in it’s earliest and most treatable form.
Patients of all ages can benefit from this service offered at Belcara Health Dermatology, providing a proactive and preventative approach to skin cancer.
Call today to schedule your Body Mapping service with board certified dermatologist, Dr. Ciro Marek! 410.296.0414
Source: www.cancer.org