Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

MASSENA, NY -- According to the experts, skin cancers are usually curable if found and treated in the earliest stages. In addition, you can improve your chances of detecting skin cancers by performing a skin self-exam every month.

Early diagnosis can make all the difference. To Sanjay Shah, M.D., and Dalkeith Facey, DO, MBA, Board Certified General Surgeons at Massena Memorial Hospital offer a monthly free screening clinic. The Skin Tumor/Lesion Detection Clinic is held on the third Tuesday of the month, from 9 to 11 a.m. The free skin screening is held at MMH Surgical Group and Wound Care office at 181 Maple St., Suite B (located in the MMH Medical Office Building across from the hospital.)

The next three (3) clinics will be held April 18, May 16 and June 20. The clinics will continue on the third Tuesday of each month. This clinic is free to all and all ages welcome. For an appointment or more information, please call MMH Surgical Group’s office at (315) 769-4656. This free clinic is co-sponsored by the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund Inc.

What to Look For

While skin cancer can be found anywhere on the body, it most often develops on the head, face, neck, hands, legs, arms and back. Skin cancer can appear as a:

• Reddened lump

• Small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy bump

• Flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly.

The most lethal form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, usually begins in a mole. When examining moles, look for the “ABCDs” of malignant melanoma:

• Asymmetrical shape, meaning that one side of the mole does not match the other side

• Borders those are irregular, uneven, or ragged

• Color that varies from one area to another

• Diameter larger than six millimeters, or bigger than the standard eraser on the end of a pencil

How to Check Your Skin

Here is how to examine your skin now that you know what to look for.

• Stand in front of a wall mirror in a well-lighted room, just after a shower or bath.

• Examine your face, neck, chest, arms, hands, stomach, and genital area.

• Use a hand mirror to help you better see your buttocks and upper back in the full mirror reflection.

• Sit down to examine your legs, the tops and soles of your feet, and in between your toes. Use the hand mirror to check the backs of your legs.

Our general surgeons encourage if you notice anything questionable, see your doctor, or make an appointment at the free monthly screening clinic.

Regular professional skin exams are important. Based on your personal risk factors and family history, your doctor can help you decide how often you should be checked. For an appointment during one of the free monthly skin clinics or more information about the free skin screening, please call, MMH Surgical Group at (315) 769-4656. This free clinic is co-sponsored by the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund Inc.