TOTAL BODY SKIN EXAM (TBSE)
Total Body Skin Exam, or TBSE, is an enormously important tool in the prevention of skin cancer.
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TOTAL BODY SKIN EXAM (TBSE)
TOTAL BODY SKIN EXAM (TBSE) IN DEPTH
by Martin Kassir, M.D., F.A.A.D.
How do I know if I should get a Total Body Skin Exam?
- Do you have fair skin?
- Do you have freckles?
- Do you have moles?
- Have you ever had a sunburn?
- Do you have a personal history of skin cancer?
- Do you have a family history of skin cancer?
- Do you have any changing (growing, change in color) moles?
- Do you have any symptomatic (itching, burning, bleeding) moles?
These are some, but not all, of the indications that you may need a TBSE. Patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma) will require more frequent TBSEs.
During the Total Body Skin Exam, Dr. Kassir will perform a thorough "head to toe" check of the patient's hair, skin, and nails.
aSKINg the EXPERT: Total Body Skin Exam (TBSE)
How often do I need a Total Body Skin Exam?
You should have a total body skin exam (TBSE) on an annual basis performed by a dermatologist. A TBSE is a head to toe exam to check and map suspicious or problematic lesions that have the potential of becoming cancerous. A skin biopsy could be necessary if your dermatologist suspects a lesion of being pre-cancerous or cancerous. A dermapathologist will examine a tissue sample from your biopsy microscopically to determine whether the lesion is benign or malignant and the tissue type.
Are there ways to help prevent skin cancer?
Skin cancer is more common in fair skinned people or people with a family history of skin cancer, but any skin type can get it.
Tips for preventing skin cancer:
-Use sunscreen everyday with at least a SPF 15 or above to sun exposed areas. Reapply ever 2 hours.
-Avoid peak hours of sun exposure (10am-4pm).
-Wear protected clothing such as t-shirts and wide brimmed hat.
-Get yearly skin exams to look for suspicious lesions or moles.
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