Beyond Appearance: Why Regular Skin Checks Could Save Your Life

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we understand that skin health goes far beyond cosmetic concerns. Regular skin checks are a crucial component of preventive healthcare that can literally save lives. This comprehensive guide explains why skin examinations are so important, what to expect during a professional skin check, and how our experienced medical team can help protect your skin health.

The Critical Importance of Early Detection in Skin Cancer Outcomes

When it comes to skin cancer, timing is everything. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes, reduces the extent of necessary interventions, and significantly increases survival rates. At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we emphasize the life-saving potential of regular skin checks for several compelling reasons:

Survival Rates Linked Directly to Detection Stage

The statistics regarding skin cancer survival rates tell a powerful story about the importance of early detection:

• Melanoma: When detected at the earliest stage (Stage 0 or I), the five-year survival rate for melanoma is over 98%. However, this drops dramatically to around 25% for advanced (Stage IV) melanoma that has spread to distant parts of the body.
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): When detected early, BCC has a cure rate of approximately 95%, with minimal tissue damage from treatment.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Early detection of SCC results in cure rates of over 90%, but once it has spread beyond the skin, treatment becomes more complex and less effective.

These statistics highlight why at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we consider regular skin checks to be an essential part of preventive healthcare rather than an optional extra.

Less Invasive Treatment Options

Beyond survival rates, early detection offers significant advantages in terms of treatment approaches:

• Smaller Excisions: Early-stage skin cancers require smaller surgical excisions, resulting in less scarring and faster healing.
• Tissue Preservation: When skin cancers are detected early, more normal tissue can be preserved, which is particularly important for cancers on the face or other visible areas.
• Avoidance of Systemic Treatments: Advanced skin cancers may require chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy, all of which carry significant side effects that can be avoided with early detection and treatment.
• Outpatient vs. Inpatient Care: Most early-stage skin cancers can be treated in outpatient settings, avoiding hospital stays and reducing recovery time.

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, our approach focuses on detecting potential skin cancers at the earliest possible stage, when treatment is simplest, most effective, and least invasive.

Psychological and Financial Benefits

The benefits of early detection extend beyond physical health:

• Reduced Anxiety: Early-stage diagnoses typically come with better prognoses, reducing the psychological burden of a cancer diagnosis.
• Lower Treatment Costs: Less extensive treatments for early-stage skin cancers generally result in lower overall healthcare costs.
• Shorter Recovery Times: Minimally invasive treatments for early-stage skin cancers typically allow patients to return to normal activities more quickly.

These factors underscore why our team at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton advocates so strongly for regular skin checks as part of your routine healthcare.

Understanding the "60% Statistic": The Reality of Dermatology Referrals

One of the most striking statistics in dermatology is that approximately 60% of all referrals to dermatologists are for suspected skin cancer. This figure highlights both the prevalence of skin cancer concerns and the critical role that GPs play in the early detection process.

Breaking Down the 60% Statistic

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we believe in helping our patients understand the context behind this significant statistic:

• Volume of Cases: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide. In the UK alone, there are more than 100,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year, and around 16,000 new cases of melanoma.
• Increasing Incidence: The incidence of skin cancer has been rising steadily over recent decades, partly due to increased UV exposure, longer lifespans, and improved detection methods.
• GP Vigilance: The high percentage of dermatology referrals for suspected skin cancer reflects the increased awareness and vigilance among GPs in identifying potentially cancerous skin lesions.
• Two-Week Wait Pathway: In the UK healthcare system, suspected skin cancers are referred through the urgent two-week wait pathway, contributing to the high proportion of dermatology referrals for cancer concerns.

This statistic underscores why at Lambert Medical Practice, we take skin checks so seriously and why we invest in ongoing training for our medical team in skin cancer recognition.

What This Means for Patients

The 60% referral statistic has several important implications for patients:

• Normalization of Skin Checks: Given how common skin cancer concerns are, regular skin checks should be viewed as a normal part of healthcare, not something to be embarrassed about or avoid.
• Importance of GP Expertise: With such a high volume of skin cancer referrals, GPs develop significant expertise in identifying suspicious lesions. At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, our doctors receive regular updates and training in dermatological assessment.
• Reassurance for the Majority: While 60% of dermatology referrals are for suspected skin cancer, the majority of these turn out to be benign. However, the thorough assessment process provides valuable reassurance and peace of mind.
• Early Intervention Opportunity: For those cases that do involve skin cancer, the referral system provides an opportunity for early intervention and optimal outcomes.

Understanding this statistic helps explain why we at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton encourage all our patients to be proactive about skin checks rather than waiting until they notice a concerning change.

A Visual Guide to Concerning Skin Changes

Knowing what to look for between professional skin checks can help you identify potential concerns early. At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we educate our patients about the warning signs using the widely recognized "ABCDE" method for assessing moles and skin lesions:

The ABCDE Rule for Melanoma Detection

• A - Asymmetry: Benign moles are typically symmetrical. If you were to draw a line through the middle of a mole, both halves should roughly match. Asymmetry, where one half looks different from the other, can be a warning sign.
• B - Border: Non-cancerous moles usually have smooth, even borders. Irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges may indicate a potential problem.
• C - Color: Benign moles are generally a single shade of brown. Multiple colors within a mole (shades of brown, black, red, white, blue, or pink) or uneven distribution of color can be concerning.
• D - Diameter: Moles larger than 6mm in diameter (approximately the size of a pencil eraser) warrant closer examination, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
• E - Evolving: Any change in a mole's size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, should prompt a medical evaluation.

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we recommend performing a self-examination using the ABCDE criteria every month, and scheduling a professional skin check at least annually, or more frequently if you have risk factors.

Beyond Melanoma: Other Skin Cancer Warning Signs

While the ABCDE rule is primarily used for melanoma detection, other types of skin cancer have their own warning signs:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Signs:

• A pearly or waxy bump
• A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
• A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Signs:

• A firm, red nodule
• A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
• A sore that doesn't heal or heals and then returns
• Any growth that rapidly increases in size

Our medical team at Lambert Medical Practice is trained to recognize these varied presentations of skin cancer, ensuring comprehensive assessment during your skin check.

The "Ugly Duckling" Sign

In addition to the ABCDE criteria, dermatologists often use the "Ugly Duckling" concept:

• Most moles on your body resemble one another, like a family of "sibling" moles
• A mole that stands out as different from the others (the "ugly duckling") should be examined
• This can be particularly useful for identifying melanomas that don't meet the typical ABCDE criteria

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we teach our patients to look for both the ABCDE signs and the "Ugly Duckling" sign during self-examinations.

What Happens During a Professional Skin Check at Lambert Medical Practice

Many patients are unsure what to expect during a professional skin check. At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we've designed our skin examination process to be thorough, comfortable, and informative.

Before Your Appointment

To prepare for your skin check at Lambert Medical Practice:

• Remove Nail Polish: If you have concerns about your nails or regularly use nail polish, remove it before your appointment as skin cancers can sometimes develop under nails.
• Avoid Makeup: Come with clean skin, especially if you have concerns about your face, as makeup can obscure subtle skin changes.
• Note Concerns: Make a note of any specific moles or skin areas that concern you to ensure they receive special attention.
• Gather History: Be prepared to discuss your sun exposure history, previous skin issues, family history of skin cancer, and any changes you've noticed in your skin.

These preparations help ensure that your skin check at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton is as comprehensive and effective as possible.

The Comprehensive Skin Examination Process

A professional skin check at Lambert Medical Practice typically includes:

1. Medical History Review: Your appointment begins with a discussion of your skin cancer risk factors, including:
   • Personal or family history of skin cancer
   • History of sunburns, especially in childhood
   • Cumulative sun exposure
   • Use of tanning beds
   • Number of moles
   • Skin type and susceptibility to sunburn
2. Full-Body Examination: A systematic examination of your skin from head to toe, including:
   • Scalp (using a handheld device to part hair)
   • Face, ears, and neck
   • Torso (front and back)
   • Arms and hands, including between fingers and nails
   • Legs and feet, including soles and between toes
   • Areas not exposed to the sun (as skin cancer can occur anywhere)
3. Dermoscopy: For suspicious lesions, we use a dermatoscope (a specialized magnifying device with a light source) that allows visualization of structures beneath the skin surface not visible to the naked eye.
4. Digital Documentation: For monitoring purposes, we may photograph concerning moles or lesions to track changes over time.

Throughout the examination at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, your dignity and comfort are prioritized, with appropriate draping and clear communication about each step of the process.

After the Examination

Following your skin check, your doctor will:

• Discuss Findings: Explain any concerning lesions or areas that require monitoring
• Recommend Next Steps: This may include:
  • Reassurance for benign lesions
  • Monitoring of certain moles with follow-up appointments
  • Biopsy of suspicious lesions
  • Referral to a dermatologist for specialized assessment
• Provide Education: Offer personalized advice on sun protection, self-examination techniques, and your individual risk profile
• Schedule Follow-Up: Recommend an appropriate timeframe for your next skin check based on your risk factors

This comprehensive approach ensures that you leave your appointment at Lambert Medical Practice with a clear understanding of your skin health and any necessary next steps.

Who Should Have Regular Skin Checks and How Often?

While everyone can benefit from skin checks, the recommended frequency varies based on individual risk factors. At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.

High-Risk Individuals

You should consider more frequent skin checks (every 3-6 months) if you have:

• A personal history of skin cancer
• A strong family history of melanoma (especially in first-degree relatives)
• Multiple atypical or dysplastic moles
• A large number of moles (more than 50)
• A history of significant sunburn, especially blistering sunburns in childhood
• A history of indoor tanning bed use
• Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
• A history of immunosuppression (due to organ transplantation, medications, or medical conditions)
• Genetic conditions that increase skin cancer risk (such as xeroderma pigmentosum)

For high-risk patients, Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton offers a structured monitoring program to ensure optimal surveillance.

Moderate-Risk Individuals

Annual skin checks are typically recommended if you have:

• A moderate number of moles
• A history of significant sun exposure
• Fair to medium skin that burns easily
• A family history of skin cancer (not first-degree relatives)
• A history of precancerous skin lesions (such as actinic keratoses)
• Occupational sun exposure (outdoor workers)

Our team at Lambert Medical Practice can help determine if you fall into this category and would benefit from yearly examinations.

Lower-Risk Individuals

Even if you don't have specific risk factors, we generally recommend:

• A baseline skin check in early adulthood
• Skin examinations every 1-2 years thereafter
• Monthly self-examinations using the ABCDE criteria
• Prompt medical evaluation of any concerning changes

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we believe that regular skin checks should be part of everyone's healthcare routine, regardless of risk level.

Taking the First Step: Booking Your Skin Check

Scheduling a skin check at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton is a simple process designed with your convenience in mind.

How to Book Your Appointment

You can arrange your skin check through several convenient channels:

• Phone: Call our reception team at 0208 133 5694
• Email: Contact us at reception@lambertsportsclinic.co.uk
• Online: Use our secure online booking system on our website
• In Person: Speak to our reception team during your next visit

When booking, please mention that you're scheduling a skin check so we can allocate the appropriate appointment length.

What to Mention When Booking

To help us prepare for your appointment, please inform our team if:

• You have a history of skin cancer or concerning moles
• You have specific areas of concern you'd like examined
• You have a large number of moles that may require extra time to examine
• You're experiencing symptoms such as changing moles, new growths, or non-healing sores

This information helps us allocate sufficient time for your examination and ensure you see the most appropriate clinician at Lambert Medical Practice.