Your skin in the largest organ of your body, one of your first lines of defense from illness and can be a window into undiagnosed medical problems in your body. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U. S. affecting almost one in eight Americans.
Regular examination of the skin by both you and your doctor increases the chance of finding skin cancer early. Most skin cancer that appear in the skin can be seen by the naked eye. However there is a long period of time when the cancer grows beneath the top layer of skin but does not grow into the deeper skin layers. This period of slow growth allows time for skin cancer to be found early. Skin cancer may be completely cured if the tumor is found before it spreads deeper. Monthly self-examination of the skin may help find changes that should be reported to a doctor. Regular skin checks by a doctor are important for people who have already had skin cancer.
Beginning in 2005 Dr. Aaron Hartman began attending advanced dermatologic training courses sponsored by training centers including the University of Florida and the University of Miami in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. This additional training includes over 600 hours of studies and didactic time. In addition he has also received training in advanced skin surgical procedures and techniques. During your office visit, if needed, he can perform a full body skin exam, any needed biopsies and address your skin concerns.
For information on performing a self skin exams and making your own personal Body Mole Map, download the following: BodyMoleMap.pdf
For a comprehensive online skin cancer resource please visit Skin Cancer Net.
For more information about specific skin disorders please visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s A-Z informational site.