Contact: Lisa Doty
847-956-0900, ldoty@asds.net
CHICAGO, IL –According to research presented today at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a complete skin exam should be performed on any patient who visits a dermatologic surgeon for a suspicious area on the skin.
“Instead of just examining the area the patient is concerned about, our study suggests that a full skin exam can aid in the detection of melanoma. This is especially important in the earliest stages of the disease when the five year survival rate is almost 100 percent,” said Jonathan Kantor, MD a dermatologist with North Florida Dermatology Associates in Jacksonville, Fl. ”Our research suggests that further large-scale investigations into this practice could have a positive impact on public health by reducing the morbidity and mortality from melanoma.”
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 100,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2007. While the overall incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, early detection of the disease is essential.
In the study, 54 percent of the 76 melanomas included in the study were found by patients and were the main reason that they were visiting the dermatologic surgeon. Forty six percent were detected as the result of full skin exams by the dermatologic surgeon.
“Full skin exams can have a positive impact on public health in the United States,” Dr. Kantor said. “They are an important part of the wide array of public health efforts designed to lessen disease and the impact of disease among Americans.”
Founded in 1970, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures, using surgical and non-surgical methods. For more information on medical or cosmetic skin procedures, and referrals to ASDS members in your state, log on at asds.net.
Editor’s Note:
The ASDS recommends that people take measures to reduce their risk of skin cancer by: minimizing sun exposure – especially between 10am – 2pm, wearing sunglasses and protective clothing (e.g., wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves and pants), using sunscreen no less than SPF 15 with both UVA and UVB protection, and avoiding artificial tanning devices.
Everyone should know the A, B, C, D and Es of melanoma, as well: A- asymmetrical (uneven) shape, B- borders that are irregular, C – color that varies from one area to another, D- diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and E—a mole or other lesion that is changing. If you notice an area that fits one of these descriptions, consult a dermatologic surgeon.