This nodular lesion is a squamous cell carcinoma. These lesions are seldom fatal but can be disfiguring. Credit: The Skin Cancer Foundation

The images are startling, clear, and come with specific explanations of the whys and whats that distinguish the moles and lesions in the photos.  They may be difficult for the average person to review, but I feel they are important as a way to increase awareness of what could be ignored or overlooked  and with this kind of education what could, just as the title promises, save your life.  Just as we felt about Dr. Oz and the “in your face” videos of skin cancers and prevention information that he shared, this photographic guide is worthy of a “Hat’s On” award for straightforward, helpful coverage of exactly what to look for in the variety of skin cancer presentations.

And yet again, here are those rules of thumb again for your skin self-exams and warning signs to heed:

• A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored
• A mole, birthmark, beauty mark, or any brown spot that:
  • changes color
  • increases in size or thickness
  • changes in texture
  • is irregular in outline
  • is bigger than 6mm or 1/4”, the size of a pencil eraser
  • appears after age 21
• A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode, or bleed
• An open sore that does not heal within three weeks

While getting your picture taken in a hospital gown is not most people's idea of a flattering photo shoot, especially when it includes unusual poses, but it could be a life saver.

If you’ve been reading this blog, you may also have recognized our own Maddie Pallamary, RN, from the MoleSafe Millburn location, who conducted the patient examination. I’m very proud of the calming, professional and informative style that Maddie clearly exhibits, as do all of our staff clinicians and physicians around the country, and which is so reassuring to new patients.

It is truly exciting to have such an esteemed institution as NYU Langone Medical Center as MoleSafe’s first U.S. hospital partner. But whether it is there in New York City, or Albuquerque, Savannah…or any of our now 6 locations, please consider getting this potentially lifesaving screening for you and your loved ones.

We truly hope future news coverage about Melanoma will be about its decline vs our ongoing battle to raise awareness and skin cancer prevention.

While getting your picture taken in a hospital gown is not most people's idea of a flattering photo shoot, especially when it includes unusual poses, but it could be a life saver.

If you’ve been reading this blog, you may also have recognized our own Maddie Pallamary, RN, from the MoleSafe Millburn location, who conducted the patient examination.  I’m very proud of the calming, professional and informative style that Maddie clearly exhibits, as do all of our staff clinicians and physicians around the country, and which is so reassuring to new patients.

It is truly exciting to have such an esteemed institution as NYU Langone Medical Center as MoleSafe’s first U.S. hospital partner. But whether it is there in New York City, or Albuquerque, Savannah…or any of our now 6 locations, please consider getting this potentially lifesaving screening for you and your loved ones.

We truly hope future news coverage about Melanoma will be about its decline vs our ongoing battle to raise awareness and skin cancer prevention.