The Total Body Exam for Early Detection of Skin Cancer
A total body exam is one of the most effective ways to detect skin cancer. Rates of skin cancer have increased every year over the last several decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though often caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, anyone of any age or skin type can develop skin cancer anywhere on the body covered with skin. This includes hard-to-see areas, such as the inside of the mouth and the bottoms of the feet. Additionally, the use of certain medications, such as hormones and antibiotics, may increase your risk for developing skin cancer. This is the most common type of cancer, though it is easily prevented with regular total body exam scheduling.
In all cases, early detection of skin abnormalities is key to an easier and more effective treatment. Adults should conduct monthly self-exams to look for changes to the skin, such as new or changing growths and moles. Importantly, everyone should receive an annual total body exam by a licensed dermatologist. Seeing a specialist, such as the dermatologists who practice at Zel Skin & Laser Specialists, is a great preventative measure. The total body exam takes only 10 to 20-minutes, and it can mean the difference between catching skin cancer early and letting it develop.
What to Expect from Your Annual Total Body Exam
At the beginning of the exam, you will be asked to provide your history of sun and tanning bed exposure, as well as your medication use and whether any close relatives have developed skin cancer. Be sure to mention any changes in moles or areas of your skin. Your dermatologist will check your body from head to toe, from your scalp to the bottoms of your feet. Prior to the total body exam, avoid wearing anything to your appointment that blocks access to your skin, such as nail polish, makeup, or a pulled-back hairstyle.
To more closely examine moles or suspicious areas, your doctor may use a lighted magnifying glass called a dermatoscope. Your doctor may also take photographs of moles for use as baseline comparisons for the future. If you feel uncomfortable having any part of your body examined, please let your doctor know.
Visiting the Doctor for a Total Body Exam
Skin cancer is a scary but typically treatable disease. However, as with all serious conditions, the best way to address skin cancer is to prevent it from developing. Conducting an at-home total body exam treatment is a great way to regularly check your skin, but visiting a licensed professional is the only way to ensure you don’t miss any suspicious growths. Similarly, if you find something new during an at-home check, you’ll want to have it looked at by a professional. The dermatologists at Zel Skin & Laser Specialists are well equipped to conduct the total body exam you need to receive further treatment or peace of mind.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or virtual visit today.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.