How a skin cancer check works
A skin cancer screening is a visual exam where a doctor or dermatologist looks at your skin for spots that might be cancerous. The doctor will examine your entire body—including areas you don't see often, like your scalp, between your toes, and under your nails—using either their eyes alone or a handheld magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. The visit usually takes 10 to 30 minutes.
If the doctor finds a spot that looks suspicious, they may remove a small sample (called a biopsy) right there in the office and send it to a lab for testing. This tells you whether the spot is skin cancer or something harmless. If nothing looks concerning, you leave with a recommendation for how often to return—usually every year if you have fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or many moles.
Key Takeaways
- A skin cancer screening takes 10 to 30 minutes and involves a doctor visually inspecting your entire body for suspicious spots.
- If a spot looks abnormal, the doctor may perform a biopsy—a quick removal of a small tissue sample—to test it in a lab.
- You should have a screening at least once if you are over 50, have fair skin, sunburn easily, or have a family history of skin cancer.
- Your primary care doctor can perform a basic skin check, but a dermatologist (skin specialist) is better equipped to spot early signs and perform biopsies.
- Bring a list of any spots you have noticed changing, and point out any moles or marks you are concerned about.
Who should get a skin cancer screening and how often
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all adults have at least one full-body skin check by a dermatologist. If you are over 50, have fair skin, sunburn easily, have many moles, or have a personal or family history of skin cancer, you should have a screening every year. People with a history of melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) may need checks every three to six months.
If you have darker skin, your risk of melanoma is lower, but you can still develop skin cancer—often in less obvious places like the palms, soles, or under the nails. Ask your doctor whether annual screening makes sense for you based on your personal risk factors.
What happens during the exam
You will change into a gown that opens in the front and back so the doctor can see all your skin. The doctor will look at your face, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, feet, and the spaces between your toes. They will also check your scalp (you may need to part your hair in sections), your back, and your buttocks. If you have spots you are worried about, point them out—the doctor may spend extra time on those areas.
The doctor uses a dermatoscope—a small handheld magnifier with a light—to get a closer look at any moles or spots that seem unusual. They are looking for asymmetry (one half does not match the other), irregular borders, multiple colors, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or changes over time. These are sometimes called the ABCDE signs of melanoma.
If the doctor finds a spot that needs testing, they will numb the area with a local anesthetic (a quick injection), remove a small piece of skin, and send it to a pathology lab. You will get the results in about one to two weeks. The biopsy site may have a few stitches that dissolve on their own or need to be removed at a follow-up visit.
Where to get a skin cancer screening
Your primary care doctor (family medicine or internal medicine) can perform a basic skin check during a regular visit. However, a dermatologist—a doctor who specializes in skin—is trained to spot early signs of skin cancer and is better equipped to perform biopsies if needed. If your primary care doctor finds something suspicious, they will refer you to a dermatologist.
To find a dermatologist, ask your primary care doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company for in-network providers, or search the American Academy of Dermatology's "Find a Dermatologist" tool on their website. Many dermatology offices can schedule you within a few weeks, though wait times vary by location and how busy the practice is.
What to bring and how to prepare
Wear clothes you can remove easily so the exam moves quickly. Remove nail polish and any makeup before your appointment so the doctor can see your skin clearly. If you have had any spots change size, shape, or color, or if you have noticed new spots, write down when you first noticed the change and bring that information with you.
Bring a list of any skin products, supplements, or medications you are taking, in case the doctor asks about reactions or sensitivities. If you have had a previous skin biopsy or skin cancer diagnosis, bring those records or let the office know so they can request them from your previous provider.
What happens if a spot is biopsied
A biopsy is a minor procedure that takes a few minutes. The doctor injects numbing medication, waits a moment for it to take effect, then removes a small sample of skin using a punch tool (which looks like a tiny cookie cutter) or a scalpel. You should not feel pain, though you may feel pressure or hear a small snapping sound. The sample goes to a pathology lab, where a specialist examines it under a microscope.
You will receive results within one to two weeks. If the biopsy shows skin cancer, your doctor will discuss treatment options, which may include removal, topical medication, radiation, or referral to an oncologist (cancer specialist) depending on the type and stage. If the biopsy is benign (not cancer), you can usually return to normal activities right away, though you should keep the biopsy site clean and dry while it heals.
Cost and insurance coverage
The cost of a skin cancer screening varies widely depending on whether you see your primary care doctor or a dermatologist, whether a biopsy is performed, and your insurance plan. A basic screening with your primary care doctor may be covered as part of a routine visit. A dermatology visit typically costs between $100 and $300 out of pocket if uninsured, though this varies by location and provider.
If a biopsy is performed, there is an additional charge for the procedure and the lab analysis, usually $200 to $500 or more. Most insurance plans cover skin cancer screenings and biopsies if there is a medical reason (such as a suspicious spot), but coverage for routine screening without symptoms varies. Call your insurance company or the dermatology office before your visit to understand what you will owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my own skin at home?
Examine your skin once a month, ideally after a shower when your skin is clean and dry. Use a mirror and a handheld mirror to check hard-to-see areas like your back and scalp. Look for new spots or changes in existing moles—size, shape, color, or texture. If you notice anything unusual, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
Does a skin cancer screening hurt?
The screening itself does not hurt—the doctor is just looking at your skin. If a biopsy is needed, the numbing injection may sting for a second, but then the area is numb and you should not feel pain during the removal. You may feel mild discomfort or pressure, but not sharp pain.
What if I have a lot of moles—does that mean I have skin cancer?
Having many moles increases your risk of melanoma, but most moles are harmless. A dermatologist can tell the difference between a normal mole and one that needs monitoring or biopsy. If you have many moles, regular annual screenings are especially important so the doctor can track changes over time.
Can I get a skin cancer screening without a referral from my doctor?
Yes. You can call a dermatology office directly and schedule a screening without a referral, though some insurance plans require one to cover the visit. Check your insurance card or call your insurance company to find out whether you need a referral before booking an appointment.
What should I do if I find a suspicious spot between screenings?
Do not wait for your next scheduled screening. Call your dermatologist or primary care doctor and describe the spot—size, color, whether it is itching or bleeding, and how long you have noticed it. Most offices can fit you in within a week or two if there is concern. Early detection makes a real difference in skin cancer outcomes.