Dr. Jonathan Cantor in the Archives of Dermatology published a study showed that 56-60% of Malignant Melanomas were discovered by a dermatologist doing a full body exam for another complaint. Currently, the US Preventive Service Task Force states that there is not enough evidence to support full-body examinations as a screening procedure, so most doctors do not do so. If you have multiple moles or if you have had strong sun exposure, even many years ago, it might be prudent to ask your doctor to do a full body exam. If detected early, melanomas are much easier to treat.
See Family Practice News, Sept. 15, 2009, p. 28.
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