Skin Cancer Screening

A skin cancer screening checks your skin for signs of skin cancer before you have any symptoms. To do this, you or your health care provider will examine your skin for moles, birthmarks, or other areas that have an unusual color, size, shape, or texture. If an area of skin doesn't look normal, you may need tests to find out if it's cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The most common types of this cancer are: Squamous cell carcinoma. This type forms in the upper parts of the epidermis (the topmost layer of the skin) and rarely spreads.

It's most often found in sun-exposed parts of the body such as your face, arms, and hands.; Basal cell carcinoma. This type forms in the basal cell layer (the lower parts) of the epidermis and also rarely spreads. It is the most common type of skin cancer and usually forms on the face, head, neck, and arms.; Melanoma.

This type forms in the cells that make your skin's pigment (or color). These cells also protect deeper layers of the skin from some of the sun's harmful effects. Melanoma is less common than the other two, but it's also much more serious.

That's because it's more likely to spread.; The earlier your provider can detect these cancers, the more effective the treatments can be. This is especially true for melanoma.

Why this test is done

Some medical experts recommend checking your own skin regularly starting at age 18. That's because skin cancer is very common, and people of all skin colors can get it.

You may need a skin cancer screening with your provider or with a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin disorders) if you:

• Have had skin cancer in the past. In this case, it's usually recommended to have a regular yearly skin cancer screening with your provider or a dermatologist.
• Have a higher-than-normal risk for getting skin cancer.
• Find a suspicious area of skin during a self-exam.

A suspicious area of skin can mean:

• Moles or spots of skin that have changed in size, shape, or color.
• Moles or other skin spots that ooze, bleed, or become scaly or crusty.
• Moles that are painful to the touch.
• Sores that haven't healed within two weeks.
• Shiny pink, red, pearly white, or clear-looking bumps.

You may have a higher risk of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma if you have had:

• Actinic keratosis, a pre-cancerous condition caused by too much exposure to the sun. This condition causes patches of thick, scaly skin.
• Long-term inflammation or injuries such as severe burns.
• Radiation therapy for cancer.
• A weakened immune system.
• Exposure to arsenic.

Your risk for melanoma is higher if you have:

• Had many blistering sunburns, especially as a child or teenager.
• A personal and/or family health history of melanoma.
• A family health history of unusual moles, such as Gorlin syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum.
• Several large or many small moles.

Your risk for all types of skin cancer is higher if you have:

• Had frequent exposure to natural sunlight or artificial sunlight, such as tanning beds.
• Pale skin that burns and freckles easily.
• Skin that tans a little or not at all.
• Blond or red hair.
• Light colored eyes, including blue or green.

Ask your provider how often to do a self-exam and whether you need to have regular skin cancer screenings from a provider.

How to prepare

You should not wear makeup or nail polish. You will need to have your hair loose so your scalp can be checked.

Other names for this test

skin exam