Skin Self-Examination

How to perform a skin self-examination:

Finding suspicious moles or skin cancer early is the key to treating skin cancer successfully. A skin self-examination is usually the first step in detecting skin cancer. The following suggested method of self-examination is from the American Cancer Society:

(You will need a full-length mirror, a hand mirror, and a brightly lit room.)

• Examine your body front and back in mirror, then the right and left sides, with your arms raised.

• Bend your elbows, look carefully at your forearms, the back of your upper arms, and the palms of your hands.

• Look at backs of your legs and feet, spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.

• Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror.

• Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

• Become familiar with your skin and the pattern of your moles, freckles, and other marks.

• Be alert to changes in the number, size, shape, and color of pigmented areas.

• Follow the ABCD chart when examining moles of other pigmented areas and consult your physician promptly if you notice any changes.

  Skin Cancer Surveillance and Prevention at Rush Screening, early detection and prevention of skin cancer are priorities at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dermatologists, medical oncologists and surgeons examine patients for early signs of malignancy or premalignant lesions. Rush also offers comprehensive care for skin cancer with state-of-the-art treatment and surgical options. Click below to learn about specific skin cancer programs at Rush: The CTCL (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) Clinic The Melanoma Survelliance Program The Mohs Micrographic Surgery Program The Pigmented Lesion Center Finding a specialist at Rush: To find a dermatologist at Rush click here. Or make an appointment with a doctor at Rush by calling our toll-free physician referral number: (888) 352-RUSH. To reach the hospital operator, call (312) 942-5000. If you have difficulty hearing, call (312) 942-2207 (TTY/TTD).