What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Cancer Screening?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, affecting about 20% of all people during their lifetimes. Fortunately, skin cancer can be treated — but the key is catching it early. That’s why regular full-body screenings are so important.

Michael Foss, DO, and the team at Luminary Dermatology helps reduce the risk of skin cancer complications with full-body screenings focused on spotting the earliest signs of cancer, providing personalized prevention strategies and comprehensive skin cancer treatment when needed to keep you healthy. Here’s what to expect during your full-body skin cancer screening.

Skin cancer: the basics

Like other types of cancer, skin cancer involves overproliferation of cells. In many cases, that cancer cell growth happens when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from tanning beds. UV exposure damages skin cells’ DNA, causing them to multiply rapidly and uncontrollably.

Skin cancer is divided into three primary types: 

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) affects the cells in skin’s lower layers
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) affects the cells in skin’s upper layers
• Melanoma affects the cells that produce skin’s color

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all diagnoses. Melanoma is the rarest type of skin cancer, making up about 1% of all diagnosed skin cancers. However, it’s also the most deadly type of skin cancer.

Like other types of cancer, skin cancers can spread if not caught early and treated. Early detection is essential for preventing complications and for minimizing tissue damage and scarring. Full-body screening uses your dermatologist’s expertise to spot subtle signs associated with early-stage cancers.

What to expect during your screening

A full-body skin cancer screening is just what it sounds like — a visual exam of all your skin, including skin that’s rarely exposed to the sun. During your screening, Dr. Foss evaluates your skin from head to toe, including your scalp and the skin between your toes and under your nails.

It might feel a little embarrassing to have ALL your skin evaluated, but remember: Dermatologists do this every day. Plus, despite its comprehensive nature, a full-body screening doesn’t take long, thanks to the experience and advanced detection skills of our team.

To make it easier for Dr. Foss to evaluate your skin, you change into a medical gown during your visit. Wear your hair loose and remove any fingernail polish and makeup prior to your visit. You should also let us know about any unusual skin changes, like rough or scaly spots, new moles, changes in existing moles, or moles or other lesions that itch, bleed, or ooze.

During your screening, Dr. Foss looks for unusual signs that could indicate an early stage of cancer. If he spots an abnormal lesion, he numbs the skin and then takes a tiny sample (a biopsy) for further evaluation. Most results are available within a week, and depending on those results, we may schedule a follow-up visit to discuss treatment, if needed.

Schedule a screening today

A full-body screening only takes a few moments. That single screening plays a pivotal role in protecting your skin, preventing future problems, and providing long-lasting peace of mind. 

To schedule your skin cancer screening, book an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Foss. You can visit the Luminary Dermatology office that’s closest to you. Choose from Arcadia, Miami, Bradenton, Homestead, Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Sun City, and Northport, Florida.