Skin cancer screening refers to a comprehensive examination of the skin performed by a dermatology provider to identify suspicious lesions, monitor changes over time, and detect skin cancer as early as possible.

Unlike self-examinations at home, professional skin screenings allow for evaluation of areas that may be difficult to see and assessment of subtle findings that can sometimes be overlooked.

Skin cancer screenings may identify:

• Skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma
• Precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses
• Changing or atypical moles
• Benign growths that may require monitoring or treatment
• Signs of cumulative sun damage

Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes and simplify treatment.

Skin examinations can be valuable for patients of all ages, but screening may be especially important for individuals with increased risk factors. You may benefit from regular skin checks if you:

• Have a personal history of skin cancer
• Have a family history of melanoma
• Have fair skin or significant lifetime sun exposure
• Have multiple moles or atypical moles
• Have experienced blistering sunburns
• Have used tanning beds
• Have a weakened immune system
• Notice a new, changing, bleeding, or non-healing lesion

Our physicians can help determine how often skin checks should be performed based on your individual history and risk profile.

A skin cancer screening is a full body skin examination performed from head to toe. During your visit, your physician will:

• Examine moles, freckles, and other pigmented lesions
• Evaluate areas of sun damage
• Assess any spots of concern identified by the patient
• Identify suspicious or changing lesions
• Discuss prevention strategies and skin monitoring
• Recommend follow-up or treatment if needed

Patients may be asked to change into a gown to allow for a complete evaluation.

When appropriate, dermoscopy—a specialized magnification tool—may be used to evaluate lesions in greater detail and improve diagnostic accuracy.

These visits are designed to be thorough while still allowing time for questions and discussion.

If an abnormal or suspicious lesion is identified, additional evaluation may be recommended. This may include:

• Monitoring over time
• Clinical photography for comparison
• Skin biopsy for definitive diagnosis

A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue for microscopic analysis. These procedures are performed in-office with attention to both diagnostic accuracy and cosmetic outcome whenever possible. If treatment becomes necessary, our team will guide patients through next steps and develop an individualized plan of care.

Professional skin checks are an important part of prevention, but patients are also encouraged to become familiar with their own skin. Signs that should prompt evaluation include:

• A new or changing mole
• A lesion that looks different from surrounding spots
• A spot that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal
• Changes in color, shape, or size

For moles, the ABCDE guidelines can be helpful:

• Asymmetry
• Border irregularity
• Color variation
• Diameter larger than approximately 6 mm
• Evolving over time

Any lesion that concerns you is worth bringing to your physician’s attention.

Patients choose Treiber Dermatology for skin cancer screening because of our combination of expertise, thoroughness, and personalized care. Our approach emphasizes:

• Comprehensive skin evaluations
• Early detection and prevention
• Evidence-based recommendations
• Patient education and long-term monitoring
• Thoughtful, individualized care

We believe skin checks are about more than identifying skin cancer—they are an opportunity to partner with patients in maintaining healthy skin throughout life.