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Skin cancer

Skin cancer is defined as malignant growths of skin cells. A distinction is made between black and light skin cancer. While light skin cancer, depending on the type, is often manifested by small veins on a shiny skin surface or by a rough, wart-like surface sometimes with scaling, black skin cancer, also called melanoma, is recognizable by black spots on the skin.

Ein älterer Mann in Behandlung bei Dr. Sirfy in der Smartpraxis

Causes

By far the most common cause of skin cancer is UV light. Those who expose themselves to UV radiation particularly frequently and intensively have a greatly increased risk of skin cancer. Repeated sunburns in particular can cause malignant melanoma; less commonly, black skin cancer also develops from liver spots. However, hereditary factors or a weakened immune system can also play a role in the development of skin cancer.

Symptoms

Since our skin is constantly and continuously changing and spots and other changes can always form and also regress, it is easy to confuse malignant tumors with harmless changes. It is therefore important to consult a doctor if you are unsure, in order to be able to rule out skin cancer or at least detect it at an early stage. You should pay attention to unusually large or growing dark skin spots, wart-like hardenings, nodules or blood vessels that are already visible to the naked eye, so-called telangiectasias.

Junger Mann in der U-Bahn bucht einen Termin in der Smartpraxis

Zwei Herren im Wartezimmer der Smartpraxis

Precaution

From the age of 35, health insurance companies pay for skin cancer screening every two years, which is intended to detect worrying changes in the skin at an early stage. You should definitely take advantage of this, because: If skin cancer is detected early, the chances of cure are almost 100 percent! The screening itself is completely painless and, in addition to a thorough medical history, includes an examination of the entire body, including the scalp.

Skin cancer screening

Why?

Skin cancer can be detected early with thorough screening by your primary care physician and thus treated effectively by specialists.

Diagnostics / Methods:

Medical history. Examination of the entire skin.

Duration:

20 minutes

Preparation:

Come without makeup and elaborate hairstyles if possible. Please wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put on.

Afterwards:

referral to dermatologist, if necessary.

Costs:

from 35 health insurance benefit every 2 years. Self-pay approx. 58€.

SmartPraxis

®

Ärztehaus Nymphenburg | 2nd floor
Rosa-Bavarese-Str. 1
80639 München

Consultation hours:
Mon–Wen: 08:00-12:00 | 15:00-18:00
Thu + Fri: 08:00-12:00
& by arrangement

Phone:
089 / 856 395 82

Ärztehaus am Stachus | 3rd floor
Neuhauserstraße 47
80331 München

Consultation hours:
Mon + Tue + Thu: 08:00-12:00 | 15:00-18:00
Wen + Fri: 07:30-12:00
& by arrangement

Phone:
089 / 201 4242

Overview