Full Body Skin Check
The Importance of Skin Cancer Screenings
As the most common type of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer affects 1 in 5 Americans and rates are growing each year. Women and individuals over the age of 50 are at higher risk, but anyone at any age can develop skin cancer.
Having a full body skin check is an essential part of your overall health. While you should also conduct skin checks at home, seeing a board-certified dermatologist for a comprehensive exam is best for early detection and prevention of skin cancer.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Skin checks are crucial to detecting skin cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable. Certain individuals are at greater risk for skin cancer than others, making screenings more important for prevention and detection.
Skin cancer screenings are especially important for individuals at a higher risk of skin cancer, including those who have:
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Many moles on their body
- Fair skin that freckles or burns easily
- Red or blonde hair
- Light-colored eyes
- A history of long-term exposure to the sun or UV rays, such as with tanning bed use
- A weakened or compromised immune system
Patients with a personal history of melanoma should get a skin check every 3-6 months for the first year after diagnosis, every 6 months for the next 2-4 years after diagnosis, and annually thereafter. Patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma should have skin checks every 6 months for the first 2-3 years after diagnosis, and annually thereafter.
Based on your individual situation and history, your dermatologist will advise you on the recommended frequency for skin checks. They will also know exactly what to look for and focus on specific areas of the skin based on your personal and family history.
What to Expect From a Full Body Skin Exam
Optima’s board-certified dermatologists and providers specialize in the detection of skin cancers, including melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Your dermatologist may use a device called a dermatoscope, which combines a flashlight and a microscope, to look more closely at certain areas of your skin. They may also take photos of your skin to track the development of a mole or do a biopsy to further examine anything suspicious.
- Skin checks typically take 10-20 minutes depending on your needs.
- You’ll be asked to change into a gown, leaving on your undergarments to ensure a thorough exam while maintaining your comfort.
- Your dermatologist will ask if you have specific questions or concerns, and about any personal or family history with skin cancer.
- Your dermatologist will conduct a head-to-toe exam, including your scalp, fingers, toes, fingernail beds, and toenail beds, making notes of any areas on your skin that should be monitored or tested further.
- For patients with any of the high-risk markers listed above, your dermatologist will pay special attention to any regions of the body susceptible to a certain type of skin cancer and will continue monitoring those areas over time.
If there is concern about a specific mole or birthmark, your dermatologist will likely take a biopsy during the same visit.
Prepare For Your Full Body Skin Exam
1
Write down any questions and concerns ahead of time so you won’t forget to ask them during your appointment.
2
Don’t be shy! We know full body exams can feel intimidating, but a few minutes can mean the difference between early detection of skin cancer and not catching it in time.
3
Get your appointment scheduled. Make sure you’re scheduling your yearly appointment, so you don’t miss an important window for early detection and prevention of skin cancer.
Full Body Skin Check FAQs
Yes – your dermatologist will explain what they are seeing, whether something looks benign, or if they see something they want to biopsy or keep an eye on. Your dermatologist may also ask you questions during the exam about your history of sun exposure, tanning bed use, sun poisoning, blistering, or other injuries to the skin.
Never feel ashamed! By coming in for a skin check you are taking an important step to improve their skin health going forward. We ask for your history of sun exposure to help us understand risk factors. Our goal is to empower you to take control over your skin health in the future.
If a patient has more sun damage, a lot of moles, a history of skin cancer, or any other risk factor, a skin check will likely take longer as we want to make sure we are as thorough as possible for that patient’s unique situation. For patients with low risk, skin checks are about 10 minutes. Initial skin screenings also take longer to account for intake questions, but follow-up appointments are typically shorter as long as nothing has drastically changed.
A full body skin check provides a thorough inspection of the body, and we will also examine the groin, buttocks, and genitals if the patient is comfortable with us doing so or if they express a specific concern about their skin in those areas and request that it be checked. On the rest of the body, the dermatoscope device enables us to be very precise and we are careful to include the scalp, behind the ears, and between the fingers and toes, as these areas can be easily overlooked.
Yes, you do – it’s great you’re doing at-home skin checks, but a dermatologist will know more specifically what to look for and can closely see areas that are not easily visible at home, such as the back, scalp, and behind the ears. Doing at-home skin checks means you’re more familiar with your skin, so if you see anything new or different, you know it’s time to come see a dermatologist.
Your dermatologist will tell you if they see something concerning, and they will tell you if they plan to do a biopsy or if they want to keep an eye on it. You will always know what your dermatologist is seeing on your skin, what it could mean, and what they plan to do. If you raise a specific concern about a mole or other spot that they believe is benign, they will offer to do a biopsy.
While a lack of family history and sunburns may indicate a lower risk for certain types of skin cancer, there are many factors that can contribute to your overall risk, including immune system status, certain medical conditions, environmental exposures, and lifestyle. If you notice any new, changing, or unusual spots on your skin, or simply have concerns, it’s a good idea to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. They will assess your personal and medical history, review risk factors, and perform a thorough skin exam.