A full-body skin check, also known as a skin cancer screening, is a proactive health measure focused on the early detection of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. This examination involves a thorough visual inspection of your skin from head to toe by a qualified healthcare professional, typically a dermatologist. Regularly undergoing these checks can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Taking a few simple steps before your full-body skin check can significantly aid in a thorough examination. It is advisable to remove all nail polish from both your fingernails and toenails, as skin cancers can sometimes develop under the nails, and the polish can obscure these areas. Avoiding makeup and heavy lotions on the day of your appointment allows the dermatologist an unobstructed view of your facial skin and body without any concealing layers.
Wearing loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove and put back on will also streamline the examination process. It is helpful to conduct your own self-skin examination in the days leading up to your appointment, noting any new or changing moles, sores that do not heal, or unusual spots. Sharing these specific concerns with your dermatologist at the beginning of the appointment can help direct their focus to areas that may require closer inspection.
The Examination Process
Upon arrival for your full-body skin check, you will typically be asked to undress down to your undergarments, and a medical gown or sheet will be provided for draping. The examination usually takes between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the individual’s skin type and the number of moles present. The dermatologist will systematically examine your entire skin surface, starting from your scalp and face, moving down to your torso, arms, and legs, and including less exposed areas like the soles of your feet, between your toes, and the genital area.
During the examination, the dermatologist often uses a handheld device called a dermatoscope. This tool provides magnified and illuminated views of moles and lesions, allowing for a more detailed assessment of their structure, color patterns, and blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. They are specifically looking for characteristics such as asymmetry, irregular borders, varied color, a diameter larger than 6 millimeters, and any moles that are evolving or changing in size, shape, or color.
The dermatologist will carefully inspect all visible skin, including areas that are not typically exposed to the sun, as skin cancers can develop anywhere on the body. They may ask you to move or turn to ensure all angles of your body are thoroughly examined. The process is generally quick and painless, focusing on visual detection rather than tactile assessment.
Understanding Findings and Next Steps
Following the full-body skin examination, the dermatologist will discuss their findings with you. In many cases, the examination will reveal no suspicious lesions, providing reassurance regarding your current skin health. You will likely receive recommendations for ongoing skin self-monitoring and advice on sun protection practices to maintain healthy skin. Regular follow-up appointments, often annually, are commonly advised, though the frequency can vary based on your personal risk factors, such as a history of sunburns or a family history of skin cancer.
If the dermatologist identifies a suspicious mole or lesion during the check, they may recommend a skin biopsy. A biopsy is a minor procedure where a small sample of the suspicious tissue is removed for microscopic examination by a pathologist. This is typically done under local anesthesia, meaning the area will be numbed, and the procedure is usually quick and causes minimal discomfort. The type of biopsy performed, such as a shave biopsy or punch biopsy, depends on the characteristics of the lesion.
You will typically receive the results of a biopsy within one to two weeks, and your dermatologist will contact you to discuss the findings. Depending on the biopsy results, further steps may include no additional treatment if the lesion is benign, or surgical removal if it is cancerous.