Skin cancer screening is an exam to look for signs of skin cancer (like changes in size, shape, or color) on the head-to-toe skin, including less visible areas like the scalp and soles of feet. It is most important for people who have a history of sun exposure and who are at higher risk for developing skin cancer. This includes people with a family history of melanoma or many atypical (dysplastic) moles and those who have had severe sunburns, actinic keratoses (precancerous skin changes) that can turn into skin cancer, or a large number of very dark or asymmetrical lesions (cancer).
A visual check alone cannot tell if a spot is a skin cancer. To be sure, the doctor will do a test called a biopsy. They will clean the area, numb it with a shot of numbing medicine and use a tool to scrape off a small sample. They will send that sample to a lab for testing. If the test comes back positive for skin cancer, your doctor will talk to you about treatment options.
Skin Cancer Screening: What to Expect During Your Appointment
Regular self-exams of your own skin, combined with professional exams by a UChicago Medicine dermatologist, are the best way to find and treat suspicious spots, moles or bumps early. People at high risk of melanoma or other types of skin cancer should have an initial exam by a dermatologist and then schedule regular appointments, depending on what is found. Other ways to help prevent skin cancer include using sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds and wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, hats and sunglasses when outside.
