Check Your Skin for Cancer
I am perplexed. A woman brought her 16 year old son to see me. She wanted me to examine his body for changing moles. The boy had 2 normal moles on his body. He also had 6 scars on his chest. I asked the mother how her son obtained those scars. “His dermatologist removed some moles” she said. “Why did she do that”, I asked. She replied that the doctor said the moles were suspicious for cancer. “Oh, “I said, “and how many of them were cancer?” Why, none,” she replied.” “Well.” I said, “You are very lucky. You have a doctor who is always reliable. Every time she thinks your son has cancer, he doesn’t. So how many more scars does your son have to have before you seek a second opinion?”
On the other hand a cancer surgeon in Florida wrote a report stating that 7 out of 10 of his malignant melanoma cases were found incidentally by an observant physician, and the patient had no idea he had a problem. In the past 2 months I found a malignant melanoma in 2 patients who came to see me for other reasons. Last week I did a skin cancer screening at a church. Out of 40 patients I found 3 definite skin cancers and one possible metastatic cancer.
We have a two edged problem. We have a society that refuses to practice preventive medicine. We have doctors who are either poorly trained or so fearful of law suits that they will remove any lesion that they don’t recognize. We have patients who refuse to examine their own skin or listen to caring spouses who suggest they should see their doctor.
Every study done on the subject proves that dermatologists are far superior to other doctors at diagnosing skin cancer. At the same time the loss of rapport between dermatologists (all doctors) and their patients promotes an assembly line type of care that is way below the standard we are capable of delivering. Cancer is not a joke as those of you who know my history will attest. At the same time mindless surgery is no picnic either and does not make you healthier.
When in doubt get 2 opinions. Come to skin cancer screenings. They are free and worth more than the fee. And if you ever had skin cancer for God’s sake begin using Vitamin A (tretinoin, Retin A, Renova) topically. A small application each night will prevent 94% of new cancers from occurring on the face.
Edward Lack, MD www.metropolitanmds.com
On the other hand a cancer surgeon in Florida wrote a report stating that 7 out of 10 of his malignant melanoma cases were found incidentally by an observant physician, and the patient had no idea he had a problem. In the past 2 months I found a malignant melanoma in 2 patients who came to see me for other reasons. Last week I did a skin cancer screening at a church. Out of 40 patients I found 3 definite skin cancers and one possible metastatic cancer.
We have a two edged problem. We have a society that refuses to practice preventive medicine. We have doctors who are either poorly trained or so fearful of law suits that they will remove any lesion that they don’t recognize. We have patients who refuse to examine their own skin or listen to caring spouses who suggest they should see their doctor.
Every study done on the subject proves that dermatologists are far superior to other doctors at diagnosing skin cancer. At the same time the loss of rapport between dermatologists (all doctors) and their patients promotes an assembly line type of care that is way below the standard we are capable of delivering. Cancer is not a joke as those of you who know my history will attest. At the same time mindless surgery is no picnic either and does not make you healthier.
When in doubt get 2 opinions. Come to skin cancer screenings. They are free and worth more than the fee. And if you ever had skin cancer for God’s sake begin using Vitamin A (tretinoin, Retin A, Renova) topically. A small application each night will prevent 94% of new cancers from occurring on the face.
Edward Lack, MD www.metropolitanmds.com
posted by Edward Lack MD at 9:54 AM
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