WELLNESS AUTHOR
Monica Hand
WELLNESS
FAQ
SKIN CANCER n Dr. Liqiao Ma, a board-certified
dermatologist, answers your skin cancer questions.
W
AFM: What are some common signs or things to look out for when self-checking for melanoma?
hether you regularly see a dermatologist or not, checking your skin regularly for any signs of sun damage and taking precautions is a crucial part of living somewhere with ample months of sun exposure. So, as the summer months move in quickly, we’ve asked Dr. Liqiao Ma some of our burning questions about skin cancer and how to navigate your largest organ.
DR. MA: Most melanomas can be identified using the
ABCDEs (asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolution). No one sign alone means a melanoma has developed necessarily, but rather a combination of several signs, especially in comparison to other moles on the body. If someone spots something that may fit these identifiers, they should contact their primary care doctor or a boardcertified dermatologist as soon as possible for evaluation. Their dermatologist will usually perform an exam with dermoscopy, and possibly a biopsy if needed.
AFM: What do you see most often in your daily practice with patients? DR. MA: By far, most patients come to see me for skin
cancer screenings, which is great because I end up diagnosing quite a lot of pre-cancers and skin cancers that patients did not know they had. However, I also see a variety of other conditions such as rashes, acne, warts and cosmetic concerns.
MAY 2021
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