This exam is a thorough skin survey done by your healthcare provider who will look for new or changed skin lesions. Some of the signs that a particular mole could be cancerous are: color variability within the mole, uneven margins to the mole, lack of symmetry in the shape of the mole, and a size greater than 6 mm.

You need this exam to detect skin cancer, the most common cancer, hopefully in its very early stages. There are 3 main kinds of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, with melanoma being the most dangerous. Most skin cancers, even melanoma, are curable if caught early, so it is essential to detect skin cancer as soon as possible. There is much controversy, however, as to the ideal frequency of, or even necessity for, professional skin cancer screening. It is also unclear whether screening should be performed by experienced dermatologists or general practice physicians. Most specialty organizations strongly endorse skin self-exam, with hope that patients will promptly report any suspicious lesion to their physician.

Your healthcare provider will do a detailed skin examination and may photograph or sketch some of your moles for future reference. A skin biopsy may be recommended if there are abnormal findings.

No.

• Sun exposure, sunburn, tanning beds
• Skin that burns and freckles easily from the sun
• Family or personal history of skin cancer
• Age >40
• Fair complexion with light skin and eyes
• Lots of moles and some kinds of moles
• Scarring or radiation the skin
• Some genetic diseases
• Smoking (squamous cell skin cancer)