The Importance of an Annual Skin Check

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on the prevention and early detection of America’s most commonly diagnosed cancer. You already know daily SPF is essential — especially when you live in sunny Florida — but it doesn’t eliminate your risk.

Along with diligent UV protection, routine screenings are the best way to stay ahead of skin cancer. At Miami Dermatology & Skin Care, board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Carlos Ricotti, MD, provides comprehensive screenings to identify potential issues in their earliest, most treatable stages. He works alongside board-certified Physician Assistant, Erika Infiesta Fernandez, to complete these screenings.

Here’s what you should know before you head out to enjoy the summer sunshine.

Why do you need an annual skin check?

You wear sunscreen every day, reapply it frequently, and try to stay indoors during peak hours. Your skin should be safe, right? Think again.

In many cases, skin cancer develops in areas that rarely receive direct sunlight — such as the soles of the feet, between the toes, and even in the genital area. While UV exposure is a primary cause, genetic factors and certain medical conditions can also increase your risk.

Most people should have a professional skin check at least once per year. However, we may recommend more frequent visits if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer or a large number of atypical moles. 

During these screenings, Dr. Ricotti and his team look for three main types of cancer:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common form of skin cancer. It grows more slowly than other types and rarely spreads to other organs, but it can cause significant local tissue damage if left untreated.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

This is a more aggressive cancer that’s often found on sun-exposed areas of skin, such as the face, shoulders, and arms. However, it can also develop within the mucous membranes, or inner lining, of the mouth, nose, and other organs.

Melanoma

Though less common than BCC and SCC, melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It grows and spreads rapidly, making early detection critical.

What to expect during your screening

Yearly screenings allow us to detect subtle changes in your skin, including precancerous lesions and cellular irregularities that you may not be able to see on your own.

After you change into a medical gown, Dr. Ricotti and his team examine your skin from top to bottom — paying special attention to areas like the scalp, fingernails, and between the toes. If he identifies a potential issue, he may take a tissue biopsy (sample) during the same visit to determine if further treatment is necessary.

Most exams only take around 10-15 minutes to complete.

Between screenings: your monthly skin self-checks

Taking a few moments each month to check your own skin helps you become familiar with your existing moles, freckles, and birthmarks, so you can catch any changes as soon as they appear. When performing your self-checks, keep the ABCDE rule in mind:

• Asymmetry: one half of the spot doesn’t match the other
• Border: the edges are irregular, notched, or blurred
• Color: the spot contains multiple different colors or shades
• Diameter: the lesion is larger than six millimeters — roughly the size of a pencil eraser
• Evolving: an existing mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color, or one that starts to itch or bleed

Choose a comfortable, well-lit space with a full-length mirror to carefully inspect every part of your body. A smaller hand mirror can help you check hard-to-see areas like your back and the soles of your feet.

Whether you have a concerning new spot or you’re due for a screening, Dr. Ricotti and his team are here to help. Reach out online or by phone to schedule an appointment at Miami Dermatology & Skin Care in Miami, Florida.