Early Detection Saves lives: The Role of Dermatology

This presentation explores how dermatology plays a vital role in the early detection of life-threatening diseases such as melanoma, breast cancer, and lupus. It highlights how dermatologists can identify early warning signs through the skin and emphasizes the importance of medical research and early diagnosis in improving survival rates.
The presentation concludes by encouraging high school students to engage with research platforms like PubMed to build scientific literacy and discover new ways to contribute to the medical field.

1. Early
Detection
Saves Lives:
The Role of
Dermatology
Rodayna Elallem

2. Introduction
References
Slides 20-21
Takeaways & Reflection
Slides 16-19
01
Slides 3-4
Diseases & Early Detection
Slides 5-11
Research & Leadership
0402
Slide 12-1503
05
Table of Contents

3. Introduction01

4. Why Dermatology
Matters
●The skin is the largest organ (approximately 20 sq ft)
●It is the first line of defense against any harmful
bacteria
●Many systemic diseases show their first signs on the
skin, which tends to be overlooked.
●Dermatologists can detect cancer, autoimmune,
infectious, and metabolic diseases early.
●Early detection often improves treatment and
outcomes and survival rate.
1 in 4 systemic
diseases
present with
skin findings

5. Diseases &
Early Detection
02

6. Melanoma: The Deadliest Skin Cancer
●This is most aggressive form of skin cancer
●Happens from an uncontrolled overproduction
of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells)
●Can quickly spread to lymph nodes and
organs
Dermatologists can help detect this early by looking
for mole changes using the ABCDE rule,including
changes in asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and
evolving.
5-year survival 5-year survival if detected early
~93% overall ~99% overall

7. Basal Cell Carcinoma(BCC): The Common Skin Cancer
●This is the most common type of skin cancer
●BCC is a slow-growing cancer
●This cancer rarely metastasizes but can destroy
surrounding tissues if left untreated
●Early detection can almost guarantee complete
cure
Dermatology clue: Dermatologists can find this by
looking for pearly or shiny bumps, open sore that
bleeds, or pink growth.
5-year survival 5-year survival if detected early
~>90% overall ~100% overall

8. Leukemia: Blood Cancer with Skin Signs
●This is a cancer of the bone marrow, which affects
immunity.
●May appear with abnormal blood cell counts, fatigue,
or constant infections.
●Early recognition = earlier treatment = better outcome
Dermatology clue: Abnormally pale skin, easy bruising, and
tiny red spots (known as petechiae). This can prompt early
lab testing and treatment.
5-year survival 5-year survival if detected early
~64% overall ~90% overall (varies by leukemia
type)

9. Lupus: Autoimmune Disease With Skin
Manifestations
●Lupus is when the immune system attacks healthy
tissues and organs
●Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and organ
inflammation.
●Early detection can start early treatment to prevent
organ damage and improve survival.
Dermatology clue: Dermatologists can spot a
butterfly-shaped rash across the patient’s cheeks and nose
and also look for sun-sensitive lesions.
5-year survival 5-year survival if detected early
~76-80% overall ~>90% overall

10. Liver Disease (Cirrhosis/Hepatitis): Skin Clues to
Organ Damage
●Chronic liver damage caused by infections, alcohol, or
fatty liver disease
●Symptoms include fatigue, swelling, and digestive
issues
●Dermatology clue: Dermatologists can spot jaundice,
spider angiomas, or itchy skin. The skin changes
prompt earlier testing and intervention.
5-year survival 5-year survival if detected early
~<30% overall ~70-80%

11. Impact of Early Detection
Overall Early Detection
5-year survival rate

12. Research &
Leadership
03

13. Research Is the Key to Discovery
Research helps us
understand disease,
treatments, and
prevention
Every major medical
breakthrough starts with
a research question
Dermatology research has
improved skin detection
and drug therapies
High school students can
start by learning to use
scientific databases like
PubMed

14. Exploring PubMed: Your First Research Tool
Filter results
(Ex: free full text, last
5 years, clinical trial,
etc.)
STEP 1
Visit
https://pubmed.ncbi.n
lm.nih.gov/
STEP 2
Type in keywords (ex:
Melanoma early
detection)
STEP 3STEP 4
Read and summarize
findings
1 2 3 4

15. Learn to Navigate PubMed
●NIH offers a free PubMed Tutorial through the national Library of Medicine

●It helps you learn how to search, evaluate, and cite medical research

●Builds research literacy skills used by doctors and scientists

●Great experience to include on resume



●PubMed Tutorial

16. Takeaways &
Reflection
04

17. Dermatology’s Role in Saving Lives
●The skin often reveals early signs of internal diseases before
other organs do

●Dermatologists are the first line of detection for many
cancers and autoimmune disorders

●Early detection can raise survival rates from as low as 30%
to over 90% in some conditions

●Paying attention to changes in skin color, texture, or lesions
can prevent late-stage disease

●Public awareness and education are key to reducing
preventable death

18. Why Highschool Students Should Start
Researching
●Research builds curiosity and critical thinking
skills

●It strengthens communication and leadership
skills

●Tools like PubMed make real research accessible
to everyone

●Researching can help bring and raise awareness
to several topics that are under-researched

19. How You Can Make an Impact
●Be curious and explore medical topics that interest you

●Use credible sources like PubMed or other NIH websites

●Get involved in school research projects or start your own

●Share what you learn, teach others, and raise awareness

●Small actions you take today can make huge impacts and
discoveries tomorrow!

20. References 05

21. References
●End cancer as we know it. End Cancer As We Know It | American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/
●Comprehensive cancer information. Comprehensive Cancer Information - NCI. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.gov/
●Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.). The World’s Best Hospital. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
●Official Website. The Skin Cancer Foundation. (2025, September 9). https://www.skincancer.org/
●U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). National Institute of Arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin
diseases (NIAMS). National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
https://www.niams.nih.gov/
●American Liver Foundation. (2023, February 1). https://www.liverfoundation.org/
●Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Skin cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin
●World Health Organization. (n.d.). World Health Organization (WHO). World Health Organization.
https://www.who.int/
●DermNet. DermNet®. (2025, August 8). https://www.dermnetnz.org/
●U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Help - pubmed. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/help/#tutorials
●Access anytime anywhere. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/

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