How is it done?
Because this is a full skin check, you will remove all of your clothes and wear a gown. Your healthcare provider will check all the areas of your skin. Your healthcare provider will ask about your history of skin cancer and if anyone in your family has had skin cancer. They may ask you questions about how long you have had certain marks or moles and if you have noticed any changes. The healthcare provider may use a magnifier to look at your skin to find any marks or moles more easily. If a dermatologist is doing the exam and finds any growths that may be a problem, they may remove them right in the office.
What are the risks?
What are the benefits?
How do I prepare?
You can prepare for your skin exam with your healthcare provider by having clean skin and nails. Remove nail polish and don’t cover marks or moles with makeup.
Do a skin self-exam before you go so you can tell your healthcare provider about any concerning moles, marks, or growths.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I know the results?
What are the follow-up requirements?
Your healthcare provider will tell you what to do to follow up. If you exam is clear, you won’t need to follow up until it’s time for your next skin exam.
If your skin exam was with your primary care provider and they find anything of concern, they may refer you to a dermatologist. If a dermatologist does the exam, the they may remove some growths or skin that looks cancerous so a biopsy can be done to check for cancer. The dermatologist will tell you if you need to come back for further skin treatment.