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Dr. Kim Mulvihill Reporting Utahns are known for their healthy living, but do you know your mole? Some new technology can help you keep a closer eye on your skin.
A mole is a small growth on your skin. Most people have a few, but a certain type can increase your risk of melanoma, a very deadly skin cancer. The trick is to get to know your moles, each and every one. That's a tough order, especially if you happen to have a lot.
Tris Saurez, Patient: "It's very hard, I can't do it."
Tris Saurez's back is covered with moles, so many, she can only guess at the number.
Dr. Douglas Grossman, Huntsman Cancer Institute: "A ton, maybe thousands."
To keep track of Tris' moles, her dermatologist went high tech.
Dr. Grossman: "We needed a strategy to really keep track of the entire skin surface on the patient."
Dr. Douglas Grossman took dozens of digital photographs of Tris' entire body.
Dr. Grossman: "We were able to get a baseline photographic record of a patient's entire skin."
Now, each time tris comes in for a checkup, Dr. Grossman checks to see if any moles have changed or suddenly appeared.
Dr. Grossman: "At least half of all melanomas don't arise from moles, but they arise out of the normal skin. So we wanted to develop a way to keep track of not only moles, but also to assess if a mole was new."
But there is no subsitute for checking your own skin. Most melanomas are picked up by patients themselves.
Recognizing melanoma early is key to a cure so follow these A, B, C's and D's. See your doctor if your mole is Asymmetrical, if the Border is irregular, if the Color varies, or if theDdiameter is larger than a pencil eraser. Some dermatologists want to add an "E" for Evolving.
Dr. Grossman: "The most important factor is whether the mole is changing or not."
Full body mapping for patients at high risk can certainly help, so can staying out of the sun.
Tris Saurez: "I've had my fun in the sun. It's all over with, no more fun in the sun for me."
To be safe, doctors recommend you examine your body once a month with a mirror, front and back, both sides. Even include the soles of your feet and in between your hands and toes. And don't forget to check your back, neck, scalp and buttocks.
The Huntsman Cancer Institute is holding a free skin cancer screening next month. Advanced registration is required. The free screening is on May 20th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you are interested, you should call 888-424-2100.
