Dr. Wong performs comprehensive skin examinations using dermoscopy on all patients who have a personal or family history of skin cancer, atypical moles, many moles (more than 40), or are at risk for developing skin cancer because of fair skin, past sunburns, and moderate to severe sun damage.
You will be asked to completely undress for the examination. Do not wear make-up, jewelry or nail polish. Not all skin cancers are related to sun exposure. For example, there are certain types of skin cancer that have a predilection for the genital area.
It is a good health practice to become familiar with your moles and skin by performing a self-check monthly. A hand- held mirror can aid in viewing areas that are difficult to see. If possible, enlist the help of a partner or spouse to examine your back, buttocks, and back of legs for changes.
Skin cancer typically presents as a change in appearance, such as in shape, color, size, irregular borders. A textural change in your skin can also be a sign of a skin cancer or precancer. Discrete rough or scaly areas that are persistent should be examined. Pain and bleeding can also be symptoms of skin cancer. However, these symptoms can be indicative of an invasive or more aggressive skin cancer.