Skin Cancer Screening
Reviewed
Also called: Skin exam, Skin cancer check, Full-body skin examination, Mole check, Dermatologic screening
A skin cancer screening is a visual inspection of your skin to look for moles, birthmarks, or other areas with unusual color, size, shape, or texture before you have any symptoms. It is not used to diagnose cancer; if a suspicious area is found, a skin biopsy is needed to determine if cancer is present.
Specimen: None (visual skin examination)
Why this test may be ordered
- To check for signs of skin cancer before symptoms appear
- To monitor individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer
- To evaluate suspicious moles or skin changes noticed during self-exam
- To screen people at higher risk due to sun exposure, fair skin, or other factors
Preparation and collection
Do not wear makeup or nail polish. Keep your hair loose so your scalp can be checked.
You may perform a self-exam using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror in a well-lit room. A healthcare provider will examine your skin from head to toe, including your scalp, behind your ears, fingers, buttocks, and feet. The provider may use a special magnifying glass with a light to look more closely at certain moles or spots. The exam takes about 10–15 minutes.
Skin cancer screening may lead to false-positive or false-negative results, unnecessary treatments (such as biopsy, surgery, or radiation), anxiety, and scarring from biopsy. Overdiagnosis of cancers that would never cause health problems is possible.
Understanding results
Your skin cancer screening results indicate whether any suspicious areas were found. This screening does not diagnose cancer; further testing is needed if a suspicious area is identified.
- No suspicious findings (screen-negative): No moles, spots, or skin changes that appear unusual were detected during the exam. Limitation: A negative screening does not guarantee that skin cancer is absent. Some cancers may be missed (false negative). Next step: Continue routine self-exams and follow your provider's recommended screening schedule. Report any new or changing moles.
- Suspicious finding identified (screen-positive): An area of skin with unusual color, size, shape, or texture was found that may be a sign of skin cancer. Limitation: Most suspicious findings are not cancer. A positive screening does not confirm cancer; it indicates the need for further evaluation. Next step: Your provider will likely recommend a skin biopsy to determine if cancer is present. Schedule an appointment for follow-up.
- False-positive results may lead to unnecessary anxiety and procedures such as biopsy.
- False-negative results may miss skin cancer, delaying diagnosis.
- Screening may detect cancers that would never cause symptoms or harm (overdiagnosis), leading to overtreatment.
- Mobile phone apps for skin cancer screening are not proven to be accurate; always discuss results with a provider.
What to do next
If your screening was positive, follow up with your healthcare provider for a skin biopsy. If negative but you notice any changes in your skin, contact your provider. Continue regular self-exams and discuss your risk factors and screening frequency with your provider.
- Have you noticed any new moles or changes in existing moles?
- Do you have a personal or family history of skin cancer?
- Have you had frequent sun exposure or used tanning beds?
- Do you have any sores that haven't healed within two weeks?
- What is your skin type and do you burn easily?