| An important medical test you can do at home |
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By: BY Dr. MARK KESTNER
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Medical tests can be time consuming, expensive and downright uncomfortable. I spent most of last week following my own advice and submitting my body to be probed, flushed, stuck, examined and then pulverized. (I've got to do a better job of planning my vacations in the future. While my staff spent their free time relaxing and enjoying the week before Memorial Day, I visited a number of other clinics here in town.)
Recently turning 50, I underwent all of the tests that I have recommended for you. Routine blood tests, urinalysis, prostate and physical examination. And just to make sure that no one could accuse me of not taking my own advice, I underwent a colonoscopy. (My wife suggested I not share all the details with you, claiming it would be "way too much information". "Besides," she reasoned, "you don't want to spoil their surprise when it is their turn!")
Just when I thought I was through, a CT scan revealed a kidney stone that was too large to pass. My best option turned out to be a procedure known as lithotripsy. This is a remarkable process that involves targeting the stone with shock waves from outside the body in a way that causes the stone to break apart so that the fragments can then pass more easily.
Although my body was mildly traumatized last week, I'm very glad to know that the results of the testing and procedures are all very positive. That's the good thing about medical testing. If you discover something wrong, then you are in a position to be aware of it and take action to rectify the problem. If the testing reveals all normal findings, then you can rest easy.
I mention the colonoscopy because I want to encourage every male reader age 50 or more to talk to their doctor about screening for colon cancer. I do not like having tests performed any more than you do. When you realize that most cancer can be successfully treated when caught early, it makes sense to be proactive about this type of testing.
The most common type of cancer is skin cancer. Thankfully, it is so easy to examine the skin that you can do it at home. This doesn't mean that you can skip your primary care doctor altogether. It just means that it is very easy to be watchful for skin changes that might signal the onset of skin cancer.
The next time you shower, take an extra minute or two to carefully examine the skin of your entire body. The best way to do this is to stand in front of a full-length mirror with good lighting, and intentionally look at every inch of your skin. You will need a hand mirror for some spots. You may want to ask your spouse to help.
Carefully take an inventory of any bumps, moles, discolored spots, raised spots, sores or any other skin area that isn't consistent with the surrounding skin. Some people have found it helpful to use a digital camera to record the size, shape and appearance of any suspect areas.
Here's what to look for: ABCD
A= Asymmetry. One side of a mole or lesion does not look like the other side
B= Border. The edges are irregular, notched, ragged or blurred
C= Color. The color is not uniform. Suspect lesions might have shades of black, brown, red, or blue
D= Diameter. If the mole is larger than a pencil eraser or growing larger, it is suspect
Other things to be alert for include any sore that doesn't heal, bleeding, changing pigmentation or new moles, bumps or sores.
Here is the short summary. Skin cancer can affect anyone. If caught early, it can be treated very successfully. If left untreated, it can take a life needlessly.
Since most of us will be exposing more skin this summer as the temperature rises, this is a great time to perform a self examination and see your doctor about any suspicious areas. When it comes to skin, the best motto is "If in doubt, check it out."
Dr. Mark Kestner
mkestner@DrKestner.com
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