Cotten, S. (2021). Skin cancer screening: a dental hygienist’s life-saving responsibility.

RDH
Magazine. https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/article/14200708/skin-cancer-screening-
a-dental-hygienists-lifesaving-responsibility.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide. As dental

hygienists we are in the position to evaluate for any type of skin abnormalities of the head, neck,

face, ears, scalp, hairline, nose, and eyes when we are performing intraoral and extraoral

examinations. While dental hygienists are not able to diagnose skin cancer, we should use our

assessment skills to identify any irregularities and encourage our patients to see a dermatologist

to further investigate. This article then goes on to explain the types and appearances of skin

cancer, which includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma. There are

ABCDEs of melanoma that are important for dental hygienists to be familiar with to help

encourage their patients to see a dermatologist. A is for asymmetry, B is for border, C is for

color, D is for diameter, and E is for evolving. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports indoor

tanning, sunburns, skin type, prolonged exposure to UV radiation, genetics and red hair, atypical

moles, and organ transplants all as risk factors of skin cancer. The American Academy of

Dermatology notes additional risk factors of blonde hair, immune system suppressing diseases or

treatments, history of skin cancer, females ages 15-29, males over 50, and Caucasion ethnicity.

Dental hygienists should ask patients about the history of sunburns, use of sunscreen, personal or

family history of skin cancer, use of indoor tanning, history of organ transplant, and if the patient

is immunocompromised in any way. 

This article affects me as a dental hygiene student by discussing intraoral and extraoral

examinations and how important they are as a dental hygienist. Any unusual findings during

these exams that need to be done at every appointment should be noted and brought to the
patient's attention so that they can get it further investigated by a dermatologist. This is

something that could very well save a patient's life, and it should not be ignored or overlooked.

The ABCDEs of melanoma were very interesting to me, as it helps me remember what I should

be looking for when examining any irregularities I notice on my patients skin. I learned how to

differentiate between basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The article

explained that basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and looks like a flesh

colored round growth, pearl like bump, or a pinkish patch of skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is

then explained as a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then reopens. Melanoma

appears in an existing mole or a new dark spot on the skin. These are all things I will definitely

utilize in my future as a hygienist because they are so important in protecting my patients' lives.

If I am knowledgeable on skin cancers, I am more likely to be able to inform and help my

patients become aware of things that may be going on with their skin. This article was very

relatable as we just learned about intra and extraoral exams in class, including how to note and

describe any unusual findings.