Skin cancer screening
What is this treatment?
A skin cancer screening is a full-body examination of your skin by a dermatologist, using a dermatoscope to check moles and spots for early signs of melanoma and other skin cancers. It takes about 30 minutes, needs no preparation, and any suspicious lesion can be biopsied or removed in the same visit.
Who it's for
Anyone with a new or changing mole, a family history of melanoma, fair skin, a history of sunburns or tanning beds, or more than 50 moles. We recommend a yearly check for most adults and every six months if you have had skin cancer before.
What to expect
You will change into a gown and your dermatologist will examine your skin from scalp to soles, photographing anything worth tracking. Suspicious spots are checked with a dermatoscope. If a biopsy is needed it is done under local anaesthetic in the same visit, and results come back within a week.
Questions about this treatment
Does the screening hurt?
No. The examination is visual. If a biopsy is needed, a small injection of local anaesthetic is the only thing you will feel.
How often should I be screened?
Once a year for most adults. Every six months if you have had skin cancer or have many atypical moles.
Will my insurance cover it?
Screening is covered by most PPO plans when there is a clinical reason such as a changing mole or family history. We confirm coverage before your visit.
