Skin Cancer Screenings

At Essential Dermatology, we provide thorough full body skin examinations to help detect skin cancer and other concerning skin changes as early as possible.

What is a Skin Cancer Screening?

A skin cancer screening, sometimes called a full body skin examination, is a head‑to‑toe evaluation of your skin. During this visit, our dermatologist carefully examines moles, spots, and other lesions for any features that may be suspicious for skin cancer, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.

Who Should Consider a Screening?

Skin cancer screenings are recommended for anyone with:

• A personal or family history of skin cancer
• A large number of moles or atypical‑appearing moles
• A history of significant sun exposure or tanning bed use
• Any new, changing, or non‑healing spots on the skin

Even if you don’t have these risk factors, a baseline skin check may be recommended to assess risk and determine your specific frequency need. Not all persons need yearly skin cancer screenings.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

During your visit:

• You will change into a gown so that all areas of your skin can be checked, including areas not typically exposed to the sun.
• We will examine your skin from head to toe, looking closely at any moles, growths, or lesions.
• If we find anything that looks unusual, we may recommend a biopsy, a photograph for monitoring, or a follow‑up visit.

Can Other Skin Concerns Be Addressed?

These appointments are designed specifically to evaluate your skin for suspicious moles and lesions.

• If time allows, minor acute issues—such as a rash or acne flare—may be briefly addressed.
• However, in most cases, conditions like rashes, acne, or other separate skin concerns will require a dedicated appointment to ensure they receive the full attention they deserve.
• Cosmetic concerns include skin care recommendations, cosmetic procedure recommendations, etc will not be addressed during skin cancer screenings. We are happy to address these concerns at your cosmetic consultation.

Your Skin Health Matters

A full body skin examination is one of the best steps you can take toward early detection of skin cancer. If you notice a new, changing, or non‑healing spot on your skin, don’t wait—schedule your skin cancer screening today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get a skin cancer screening?

This will be determined based on risk factors (ie history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure). Not all persons require a yearly skin cancer screening. Your dermatologist may recommend more frequent checks if needed.

Does my child need a skin cancer screening or full body mole checks?

Most children do not require skin cancer screenings or full body mole checks. If there is a changing mole(s) or spot(s) you are concerned about, we will schedule an appointment to evaluate them.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear clothing that is easy to change out of. You’ll be provided with a gown so your dermatologist can examine all areas of your skin. It is recommended that no- to minimal make-up be worn.

Will the exam be uncomfortable?

The exam is non‑invasive and painless. Your comfort and privacy are always a priority. Only visual inspection and gentle palpation are performed. Underwear/socks may stay on if you are not comfortable removing these items, but skin cancer can be found in areas that do not get sun-exposure.

What happens if something suspicious is found?

If we find a mole or lesion that looks unusual, we may perform or schedule a simple skin biopsy to get a definitive diagnosis. We’ll discuss next steps with you in detail.

Can I bring up other skin problems during my screening?

These appointments focus on evaluating moles and lesions for signs of skin cancer. If time allows, small concerns may be addressed, but significant issues like chronic rashes, acne management, or cosmetic concerns typically require a separate appointment.

Do I need a referral or special preparation?

Most patients do not need a referral. No special preparation is required—just arrive with clean skin and remove nail polish from fingernails and toenails if possible, as the skin under nails is also checked.