Protect the skin you’re in

Skin Cancer Screenings At

SANFORD DERmATOLOGY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SANFORD HEALTH

For months Jackie Ulrich covered the small dark spot near her right eye with makeup.

“Both my daughters are registered nurses and they kept saying ‘Mom, get it checked,’ ” said the 50-year-old from Portland, N.D.

The concern led to an appointment last November with Dr. Yulia Khan, dermatologist at Sanford Dermatology & Laser Clinic in Fargo. Dr. Khan examined the spot and removed it. Nothing alarming.

“But that wasn’t all,” said Ulrich. “Dr. Khan recommended a whole-body check. That’s how she discovered an abnormal mole on my back. I never would’ve found it or identified it as abnormal.”

The biopsy showed melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Three weeks later Ulrich underwent an in-office procedure to remove it. Thanks to early detection, no further treatment was needed.

“I was fortunate to have a dermatologist who recognized the mole as abnormal and took charge,” she said.

A different experience decades ago

Ulrich was first diagnosed with skin cancer 21 years ago. Pregnant with her third child she noticed a new mole. Because it didn’t appear suspicious, the decision to remove it was up to her.

“I insisted on it,” she said. “My mom died of cancer in 1983 and I didn’t want to take any chances.”

Ulrich made the right decision. Tests on the mole indicated melanoma, but it was caught early enough to require surgery only.

The years passed and thoughts of melanoma took a backseat to a busy life. So did important preventive steps including thorough skin checks and consistent use of sunscreen.

“I was always more vigilant about the kids using sunscreen than myself,” she said. “Now I can honestly say I’m a lot more determined to really take care of my own skin. Dr. Khan was very clear in explaining exactly what I needed to do to help prevent future problems.”

The importance of skin cancer screening

With skin cancer on the rise, many people can benefit by having a skin cancer screening. Performed by a dermatologist, this painless check of the skin and moles takes just minutes, but can be lifesaving.

“A skin cancer screening is key to identifying early skin cancers, including melanoma, before they become invasive,” said Dr. Khan. “As dermatologists, we’ve seen thousands of moles. We have the knowledge to distinguish between normal and abnormal.”

In addition to high-level training and experience, dermatologists have the advantage of a special light device called a dermatoscope. This allows them to see the magnified network of pigment underneath the skin.

“It’s a valuable tool in helping us determine if we’ll remove a mole or just watch it,” she said.

Though national guidelines vary, Dr. Khan recommends a skin cancer screening for individuals with any of the following:

• A new mole that looks different from the rest.

• A personal history of skin cancer.

• A family history of multiple skin cancers.

• Numerous moles (40+).

• Moles larger than a pencil eraser.

• Decades of sun-related skin damage.

• A transplant history including immunosuppressive medication.

“We also recommend a skin cancer screening for anyone who has difficulty doing a thorough check of their own skin. And not just the areas exposed to sun,” said Dr. Khan. “Melanoma can develop anywhere there are skin cells, including under the fingernails and inside the eyes.”

Schedule your screening today

Call Sanford Dermatology at 701.234.8860 to schedule your skin cancer screening. Appointments are readily available, and insurance often covers this type of screening, particularly if you have a mole that concerns you.

“A skin cancer screening is absolutely the best way to detect skin cancer early, when it’s most curable,” said Dr. Khan. “A screening is nothing to fear.”

Today Ulrich appreciates the difference early detection made. Her healthy, active life includes driving a school bus, long walks with her English setter Lily, and great times at the lake with family. In October she’ll go on a girls’ trip to Ireland, a birthday present from her husband.

‘“Life is good,” she said. “I want to take care of my health so I can keep it that way.”