Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. 40-50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have either BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma) or SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) at least once. This disturbing information, along with the news that two close acquaintances have been diagnosed with skin cancer, motivated me to make an appointment with my dermatologist.

Last week I kept that long-overdue appointment for a full-body exam. Following the exam, I asked if I should make another appointment to have some other “things” checked. As I pointed, the dermatologist sprayed from what looked like the Tin Man’s forearm. “What’s this?” Pssssst… “Does this look strange to you?” Psssst… “Should I worry about this?” Pssssst… “Can this be removed?” Pssssst…“Will this disappear on its own?” Pssssst… Boom! Done! This is sorcery! Where can I get some of this magical stuff?

As we age, we develop all kinds of weird things, such as age spots, moles, freckles and skin tags on our bodies. My dermatologist opted to use cryotherapy, which is simply the use of low temperatures to treat a variety of tissue damage. As you can see from my description, it is quick and fairly painless. No anesthesia is required and several mysterious lumps and bumps can be treated in one session. The downside is the long healing time of 1 to 6 weeks.

Unfortunately, I also learned that getting rid of wrinkles is not quick, easy or cheap! (I guess I’ll become a student of facial yoga).

Your skin is your largest organ. So do it a favor and get a full-body check by a qualified dermatologist once a year. And while you’re there, take care of some those gross, annoying, eye sores.