Skin Cancer Screening
A skin cancer screening is a visual examination used to detect signs of skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
What is a skin cancer screening?
A skin cancer screening involves examining your skin for moles, birthmarks, or other areas with unusual color, size, shape, or texture. Early detection is vital for effective treatment. The most common types of skin cancer include:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Forms in the upper epidermis; rarely spreads.
- Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type; forms in the lower epidermis and rarely spreads.
- Melanoma: Forms in pigment-producing cells; less common but more serious due to a higher likelihood of spreading.
What is it used for?
Screening is used to find signs of cancer before symptoms appear. It is not a diagnostic tool. If an unusual mark is found, a skin biopsy may be required to determine if cancer is present.
Why do I need a skin cancer screening?
Experts recommend regular self-exams starting at age 18. You should see a dermatologist or provider if you have a history of skin cancer, a high-risk profile, or if you notice suspicious changes in your skin.
Signs of suspicious skin areas
- Spots that change in size, shape, or color
- Spots that ooze, bleed, or become scaly/crusty
- Moles that are painful to the touch
- Sores that do not heal within two weeks
- Shiny pink, red, pearly white, or clear-looking bumps
Risk factors
Risk is higher for those with a history of blistering sunburns, family history of melanoma, pale skin, light hair/eyes, or frequent exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds).
What happens during a screening?
Self-exams: Follow the "ABCDEs" of melanoma: Asymmetry (irregular shape), Border (ragged/irregular), Color (uneven), Diameter (larger than a pea/pencil eraser), and Evolving (changing over time). Perform a head-to-toe check in a well-lit room using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror.
Provider exams: A professional will perform a full-body exam, including the scalp, fingers, and feet, often using a magnifying light. The exam typically takes 10–15 minutes.
Preparation and Risks
Do not wear makeup or nail polish, and keep your hair loose for the scalp exam. While screening is beneficial, it carries the risk of "false positives," which may lead to unnecessary procedures, anxiety, or side effects from biopsies.
What do the results mean?
If a suspicious spot is found, a biopsy is usually performed to check for cancer cells under a microscope. Results can sometimes be misleading: a "false positive" suggests cancer when none exists, while a "false negative" may miss an existing cancer. If you are concerned about a spot, always consult your provider.
Additional Information
Mobile apps for skin checking are available, but their accuracy is still being studied. Always verify any findings from an app with your health care provider.