Why is it important to get a full body skin cancer screening exam?
Skin cancer is one of the most common diagnoses in the United States, but with awareness and early detection, it is often highly treatable. Understanding your personal skin cancer risk, including genetic and environmental risk factors, plays an essential role in maintaining good skin health. Many of the most skin cancers diagnosed each year, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can be identified early through proactive care. In fact, squamous cell skin cancers and other concerning changes such as evolving skin moles or precancerous lesions are often first detected during regular skin cancer screenings, where a suspicious area may be evaluated further with a skin biopsy to help prevent skin cancer from progressing.
What is a Skin Cancer Screening?
A skin cancer screening is a comprehensive visual examination of your skin performed by a trained dermatology provider to identify suspicious moles, lesions, or growths. The goal is to detect skin cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages before it progresses. During the exam, your provider carefully evaluates your skin from head to toe, noting any irregularities in size, shape, color, or texture. Routine screenings are an essential part of preventive healthcare and long-term skin protection
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more new cases occurring than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer each year. Every year, more than 2 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer, and many of these cases could be prevented by protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin color, and it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. With early detection, skin cancer is highly treatable. Early detection involves regular, full body skin cancer screenings at least once a year for most of the population, or more frequently if you have had a history of skin cancer.
Before Your Skin Cancer Screening Procedure
Before your appointment, it is important to remove all makeup, nail polish, and any skin products that could obscure the visibility of your skin. Avoid wearing heavy jewelry and choose loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. If you have noticed any new or changing moles, make a note of them so you can point them out to your provider during the exam. You may also want to gather information about your personal or family history of skin cancer, as this helps guide your screening plan.
Your Skin Cancer Screening
In the privacy of one of our exam rooms, you will undress but be covered by a drape or gown. You can develop skin cancer anywhere you have skin, between toes, behind your ears, on your buttocks, groin, or genitalia, so it is important for us to inspect each body part. We kindly ask that women (or men) should not wear makeup or nail polish to the appointment. Wear your hair loose so that our providers can properly access your scalp. Your skin cancer screening exam should take roughly 15-20 minutes. The provider will examine each part of your skin and may use a special magnifying lens with a light-called a dermatoscope, in order to examine certain marks or lesions.
What happens if something abnormal is suspected?
When you come for your exam, you should be prepared for the possibility of a biopsy that day. In case you have never had a biopsy, it is a quick and simple procedure. We use local anesthetic and take a small tissue sample, which we then send out to have analyzed under a microscope by a dermatopathologist. The purpose of the biopsy is to diagnose the condition, not treat it, so once the biopsy site heals, if the biopsy revealed skin cancer, the remainder of the growth will be removed with an excisional procedure. This option will be discussed only if necessary.
Why Choose Clear Dermatology for Full Body Skin Exams
Clear Dermatology is committed to delivering thorough, patient-focused skin cancer screenings using advanced diagnostic tools and clinical expertise. Our providers are trained to recognize subtle warning signs that may otherwise go unnoticed. We prioritize education, ensuring you understand your skin health and any recommended next steps. With a proactive approach to prevention and early detection, we help you protect your skin with confidence.
Learn More About Skin Cancer Screening Tests at Clear Dermatology
Whether you have specific concerns or simply want peace of mind, our team is here to provide attentive, comprehensive care. We encourage patients to schedule annual exams and to seek evaluation sooner if they notice any changes in their skin. Contact Clear Dermatology today to schedule your screening and take a proactive step toward protecting your health.
