It really is skin deep

<p>Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the body? We treat our skin with cosmetics to make it look nice; we paint it, pierce it, tattoo it and otherwise decorate it. We worry when it sags, we complain when it is dry. But a crucial part of staying healthy is respecting and caring for our skin as the essential organ it is.</p><p>The skin is constantly working to protect us. It keeps bacteria out and it protects other, more delicate organs. We take these functions for granted, but defending us from the environment is hard on the skin. The cumulative effect of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and the changing atmosphere make skin damage an enormous health problem. Any body part that has a constant cellular turnover is at risk for developing cancer, and the skin replaces its cells on a daily basis. This process leaves much room for error and cancers can develop with no outside help from the sun.</p><p>There are three common forms of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers spread locally and, if caught early, can be removed successfully by a skilled surgeon. Melanomas however, spread through the blood and the lymph system, so they are potentially more deadly.</p><p>Some of these skin cancers can be successfully treated by your primary care physician, but if the cancer is extensive it should be managed by a specialist. Certainly if you have been diagnosed with melanoma, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Melanoma kills one in four people who develop it.</p><p>Most of us know the warning signs of skin cancer: new moles, moles that change size, shape or color, skin lesions that begin to itch, that don't heal, or that bleed. It is a myth to think that sunscreen protects us from skin cancer, but it is still a valuable line of defense against damage. As my dermatologist says, "Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, and slop on SPF45." But it is not only sun-exposed skin that develops cancer. Everyone should check their skin regularly and thoroughly for new spots or lesions that have changed. If there are any questions about your self- exam, make an appointment with your doctor. If you continue to have doubts, see a dermatologist.</p><p>When you see a doctor about your skin health, what should you expect? First and most important is a complete skin exam. Don't be shy. In these days of quick doctor visits, the full exam may be shortened and incomplete. You may be asked if there are any areas that concern you and then the exam is limited to those particular areas. But the physician should spend the three minutes it takes to look at every single inch of your body surface because every single bit of skin is at risk.</p><p>It is a wasted visit if you think you are getting a complete exam and the doctor did not look at your scalp, the bottom of your feet, between your toes, and at the areas you yourself can not see.</p><p>If a skin lesion is found that is suspicious, your doctor may treat it by removing it right there in the office. Ask your doctor to explain his findings in a way you can understand. A simple freezing may be appropriate for some precancerous lesions, but sometimes spots should be removed and sent to a lab for identification. Not every skin lesion needs to be biopsied, but if your doctor is suspicious about cancer, a biopsy is the test you need.</p><p>Before you cover up for the winter months, do yourself a favor. Check your skin for changes. Wear sunscreen and find hats that protect you while they show off your best features – even on cloudy days. And finally, get a thorough examination by a physician who knows your skin.</p><h3>SKIN HEALTH ONLINE</h3> <p>www.skincancer.org</p><p>www.melanoma.org</p><p>www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/skin</p>