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CANCER SERVICES

Skin Cancer Screening

Skin Cancer

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Who is eligible for skin cancer screening?

Who is eligible for skin cancer screening?
  • Dermatologists recommend periodic full-body skin exams, especially for adults with significant sun exposure or lighter skin tones, particularly those with red hair and blue eyes.  
  • Regular screening is strongly recommended if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, many or unusual moles, significant sun exposure or a history of tanning beds or blistering sunburns, activities with extensive sun exposure (ex. lifeguarding), or genetic conditions that increase risk.  
  • Skin cancer screening is also recommended for anyone who is on immunosuppression for a solid organ transplantation.  
  • Anyone with certain skin changes, including new or unusual moles, pain, itch or sensitivity of an existing mole, or new lesions should be evaluated promptly, regardless of age or risk level. 

What to expect during a skin cancer screening

What to expect during a skin cancer screening

Skin cancer screening focuses on identifying suspicious spots before they cause symptoms or become visible concerns. Because skin changes can happen gradually, having a trained clinician examine your skin at regular intervals can help catch subtle differences that are easy to miss on your own. Your screening plan, including how often you’re seen and what tools are used, will depend on your personal risk factors.

A typical screening visit is centered around a comprehensive visual skin check performed by a dermatologist. If you have many moles or atypical-looking lesions, the exam may be more detailed and include documentation to track changes over time.

Dermatologists often use a dermatoscope, a specialized handheld device that combines magnification and light to evaluate structures beneath the surface of the skin that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This can help distinguish between benign spots and those that may need closer attention.

Your doctor may recommend total body photography (mole mapping) if you have many unusual moles or a high risk of melanoma. This involves taking a series of standardized images of your skin to create a visual baseline. At future visits, your provider can compare images to detect even small changes in size, shape, or color that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In some cases, your dermatologist may also perform a focused exam of a specific area of concern rather than a full-body check.  

Unlike imaging-based screenings, skin cancer screening requires no machines or radiation, and can usually be completed in a single office visit.

 

Preparing for a skin check

You should remove all nail polish and avoid wearing makeup, as this helps your provider examine all areas of your skin, including nails and face. Wear loose, comfortable clothing since you’ll be asked to change into a gown.

It’s also helpful to note any new, changing or symptomatic (spontaneously bleeding, itching or painful) lesions so you can point them out during the exam.

During your skin check

A full-body skin exam typically takes about 20 minutes. Your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin from head to toe, including areas not regularly exposed to the sun such as the scalp, soles of the feet, and between fingers and toes.

You may be asked about specific spots, and your provider may take a closer look at certain areas using a dermatoscope.  

FAQs

Get familiar with your skin so you can notice changes over time. Tell your doctor if you have spots that have evolved over time, don’t heal, or look noticeably different from your other moles.

Not always. While a full-body exam is common especially for baseline screening, your dermatologist may focus on specific areas if you have a particular concern. The scope and frequency of exams often depends on your risk level and history.

If a spot looks suspicious, your provider may recommend a biopsy. This is a quick in-office procedure where a small sample (or the entire spot) is removed and sent to a lab for evaluation. Many biopsied lesions turn out to be non-cancerous. 

Results are typically available within about 1 to 2 weeks. Your care team will contact you with next steps if anything requires treatment or follow-up.

Yes. While sun exposure is a major risk factor, skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp, soles of the feet, under nails, and in areas not commonly exposed to sunlight. 

No. Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones. 

Self-exams are important for spotting changes early, but a dermatologist is trained to notice subtle warning signs and use specialized tools like dermoscopy. Both play complementary roles in early detection.

Yes. While severe sunburns increase risk, cumulative sun exposure over time also contributes to your risk. Factors like genetics and immune status can also play a role, even without a history of sunburn.

Not necessarily. Some spots are monitored over time. If treatment is needed, many skin cancers can be treated effectively with minor procedures, especially when caught early.

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This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.

Niroshana Anandasabapathy

Christina Anne Del Guzzo