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Early diagnosis is essential in skin cancer to improve the prognosis of those who suffer from it. Each year the incidence of this type of cancer increases by 10% with the diagnosis of up to 78,000 new cases. 95% of cases are what are called 'non-melanomas', cancers that develop in the outermost layer of the skin.
The most important risk factor, according to experts, has to do with chronic and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun . From which it follows that most cases could have been avoided.
But how can skin cancer be detected early? The first, being attentive to the signs and risk factors and the second, of course, going to the dermatologist preventively every year or when we detect any sign that we look suspicious. We already know that prevention is better than cure.
According to the experts of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), the skin lesions produced by this type of cancer are usually very characteristic and are recognized through the rule of A, B, C, OF:
- A: Asymmetry
- B: Birregular orders
- C: Cvarious odor
- D: Dimeter greater than 6 mm.
- E: Evolution (aspect change)
First of all, we want to underline the importance of visiting your primary dermatologist if you detect something unusual.It is essential that the doctor perform all the tests to formalize the most accurate diagnosis and from there, if necessary, start the healing process that is necessary .
However, we want to tell you that there are applications that can guide you about skin cancer. All the ones we propose are developed by scientific and/or medical teams, so they provide valuable information. Even so, an application can never replace a doctor's examination, his assessment and much less his diagnosis.
UMSkinCheck
Let's look at the first application. This is UMSkinCheck, an application developed by the University of Michigan, with which users can do self-exams and monitor certain lesions that may seem suspicious.
It is important that you are relaxed and in a bright place to be able to take snapshots. The application includes a function with which you can photograph your whole body in parts You can also identify specific moles or suspicious lesions, which should be monitored.
In fact, more than to identify skin cancer, this tool will help you keep track of all those lesions you have on your skin body, as well as set reminders that help you to always stay alert. This is an especially useful feature for people who have multiple risk factors, who have had previous skin cancer, or who need to be watching for questionable or evolving lesions.
UMSkinCheck is free to download and use from the App Store and Google Play Store, as it is available for both iOS as for Android.
MoleScope
Another application that we found interesting is MoleScope. It is a tool with a modern and minimalist design, in which you can access by registering with your email address or by logging in with a Google account or from Facebook.
As soon as you start, the system will offer you instructions on how to use the application You can read them or if you prefer, go directly to the action . You will see that, in any case, the operation of the tool is very simple. You just have to hit the Add a new mole button.
You will obtain precise information that will give you clues about the malignancy or not of the lesion We are talking about asymmetry, regular borders, a single color or several or if it is less than 6 millimeters.At the end of the self-examination of each lesion or mole, you will obtain a result and you must see whether or not it is convenient to visit the doctor. Remember that always, always, in case of doubt, it is always advisable to opt for a professional examination. Neither this nor any other application will give you a reliable diagnosis!
In any case, and if you consider that you should be aware of how the injury evolves, you have the option of activating the reminder system . You can choose to receive notifications to look at the mole again every week, every two weeks, every month, every three months, every six months or every year. Follow, in any case, the recommendations of your doctor and use the application as an aid to be always alert.
You can also take full body shots and do it in parts, so it's much easier to get and locate all of them snapshots on the application dummy.
MoleScope is available for both iOS and Android and you can use it completely free of charge.
SkinVision
Diving among medical applications of this type We have also found SkinVision This is another highly recommended app that you can install on your device and that It will help you to monitor your skin lesions, if they are susceptible to becoming malignant.
Registering in this application is a bit more complex. Not because it's difficult, but because it asks you to enter a series of personal data, such as name or date of birth. This allows you, as an advantage, to activate the UV index and find your skin type, which is very helpful in determining your risk profile.
You will have to answer questions such as if you have more than fifty moles,if you have more than three suspicious moles, if you have very white skin combined with light eyes, blond or red hair or, for example, if you suffered significant skin burns during your childhood.At the end you will get your risk level.
Next, you can start with the captures to, in this way, have all your moles (especially those that are suspicious) well classifiedYou can set reminders and, if you need it, ask a doctor for an assessment. You should know, however, that this is a paid service through the app.
If you have any concerns, be sure to contact your trusted doctor or dermatologist He will advise you on everything related to your skin and will give you the guidelines to do a good follow-up of the lesions, in case this is necessary.
If you want to download SkinVision you can do it for iOS and Android.
