Why You Should Get a Skin Cancer Screening Even If You Feel Healthy

Feeling healthy is a good thing—but when it comes to skin cancer, feeling well does not necessarily mean your skin is healthy.

Many skin cancers can develop without causing pain, itching, or other noticeable symptoms. A suspicious mole or new skin growth may look relatively harmless to you while showing characteristics that warrant evaluation by a dermatologist.

That is why routine skin cancer screenings can be an important part of preventive healthcare, particularly for people with a history of significant sun exposure, numerous moles, fair skin, previous skin cancer, or other risk factors.

At MDCS Dermatology, comprehensive dermatologic examinations can help identify suspicious lesions early and determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is needed.

Skin Cancer Doesn't Always Cause Symptoms

One of the biggest misconceptions about skin cancer is that it will hurt if something is wrong.

Many skin cancers are painless, especially in their early stages.

A lesion may not:

• Hurt

• Itch

• Bleed

• Feel raised

• Look dramatically different

• Interfere with daily activities

You may simply notice a mole or spot that has changed—or you may not notice anything at all.

A dermatologist has the training and experience to identify subtle changes that may be difficult to recognize during a self-examination.

What Is a Skin Cancer Screening?

A skin cancer screening is a visual examination of your skin performed by a qualified medical professional.

During the examination, a dermatologist evaluates areas of the skin for signs that could indicate:

• Melanoma

• Basal cell carcinoma

• Squamous cell carcinoma

• Precancerous lesions

• Atypical or changing moles

• Other suspicious skin growths

The examination may include your face, scalp, neck, trunk, arms, legs, hands, feet, and other areas of the body.

Depending on your history and risk factors, your dermatologist may recommend examining areas that you don't routinely check yourself.

Why You Shouldn't Wait for a Concerning Symptom

Skin cancer is often easier to treat when identified early.

Waiting until a lesion becomes painful, bleeds, or becomes significantly larger may delay evaluation.

Instead, screening allows a dermatologist to identify concerning lesions before they necessarily cause noticeable symptoms.

This is particularly important for melanoma, a potentially serious form of skin cancer that can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new spot.

Meet Carolyn Stull, MD, FAAD

Carolyn Stull, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

Dr. Stull specializes in medical dermatology and provides comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of skin conditions. Her clinical interests include skin cancer screening and diagnosis, as well as other medical and cosmetic dermatologic concerns.

For patients who want to be proactive about their skin health, a comprehensive dermatologic examination with Dr. Stull can provide an opportunity to evaluate existing moles, new growths, sun-damaged areas, and other changes.

Who Should Get Regular Skin Cancer Screenings?

Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of age, skin tone, or overall health.

However, certain factors can increase your risk.

You may benefit from regular professional skin examinations if you have:

• A personal history of skin cancer

• A family history of melanoma

• Numerous moles

• Atypical moles

• Significant cumulative sun exposure

• A history of sunburns

• Frequent tanning bed use

• Fair skin that burns easily

• A weakened immune system

• A history of significant outdoor exposure

Your dermatologist can help determine how frequently you should have your skin examined.

You Can Be Healthy and Still Have Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is different from many illnesses that cause systemic symptoms.

You can exercise regularly, eat well, sleep normally, and feel completely healthy while still having a suspicious skin lesion.

This is one reason skin examinations are valuable.

A screening isn't necessarily prompted by something you feel. It is a preventive opportunity to look for changes you may not otherwise recognize.

What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Exam?

A skin examination is generally straightforward.

Your dermatologist will visually inspect your skin for unusual spots, growths, discoloration, or changes.

A handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope may also be used. Dermoscopy can provide a closer look at structures and patterns within a lesion that aren't always visible to the naked eye.

Your dermatologist may ask about:

• New or changing moles

• Previous skin cancers

• Family history

• Sun exposure

• Tanning bed use

• Previous biopsies

• Symptoms such as bleeding or persistent itching

If something appears suspicious, your dermatologist may recommend additional evaluation.

What If a Mole Looks Normal to You?

A mole doesn't need to look alarming to deserve professional evaluation.

Some melanomas can be subtle, particularly early in their development.

Dermatologists are trained to evaluate features such as:

• Asymmetry

• Border irregularity

• Color variation

• Diameter

• Evolution over time

These characteristics form the familiar ABCDE approach to identifying potentially concerning pigmented lesions.

A — Asymmetry

One half of the lesion doesn't match the other.

B — Border

The edges may be irregular, uneven, scalloped, or poorly defined.

C — Color

A lesion may contain multiple colors or develop new pigmentation.

D — Diameter

Larger lesions can warrant closer evaluation, although melanoma can also be smaller.

E — Evolution

Any noticeable change in size, shape, color, or symptoms deserves attention.

The "E" is particularly important because a changing lesion can be a warning sign.

Don't Forget About New Spots

People often focus on existing moles and forget that skin cancer can develop in a spot that wasn't previously there.

Pay attention to new growths that:

• Look different from surrounding skin

• Continue changing

• Bleed easily

• Develop a persistent crust

• Don't heal normally

• Become painful or itchy

• Grow over time

If you're unsure whether a new spot is concerning, it's better to have it evaluated rather than trying to diagnose it yourself.

Skin Cancer Can Occur Anywhere

Skin cancer is commonly associated with areas that receive significant sun exposure, such as the face, scalp, neck, arms, and hands.

However, it can develop in less obvious locations too.

During a professional examination, your dermatologist can evaluate areas you may not routinely check, including:

• Scalp

• Behind the ears

• Back

• Buttocks

• Between the toes

• Soles of the feet

• Palms

• Nails

This is one advantage of a comprehensive professional examination over simply checking the areas you can easily see.

What About Skin Cancer in People With Darker Skin?

People with darker skin tones can develop skin cancer as well.

Although some skin cancers may occur less frequently in people with darker skin, they can still happen and may sometimes be diagnosed later.

Certain melanomas can occur in areas that receive less sun exposure, including the palms, soles, and under the nails.

Everyone should pay attention to new or changing lesions and discuss individual screening needs with a dermatologist.

Why Sun Protection Still Matters

A skin cancer screening is not a substitute for sun protection.

Protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation is one of the most important habits you can maintain throughout the year.

Consider:

• Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

• Reapplying sunscreen as directed

• Seeking shade

• Wearing protective clothing

• Using a wide-brimmed hat

• Avoiding tanning beds

• Limiting prolonged midday sun exposure

Even after summer ends, UV exposure continues.

What If You Have Had Skin Cancer Before?

Patients who have previously been diagnosed with skin cancer generally require ongoing dermatologic monitoring.

Your dermatologist can establish an individualized follow-up schedule based on:

• The type of skin cancer

• Previous treatments

• Number of lesions

• Personal risk factors

• Family history

• Current skin findings

If you've had skin cancer in the past, regular professional examinations and self-monitoring become especially important.

Why Self-Checks Still Matter

Professional skin examinations are important, but you should also become familiar with your own skin.

Regular self-checks can help you notice changes between dermatology appointments.

When examining your skin, look for:

• New moles

• Changing moles

• New growths

• Persistent sores

• Spots that bleed

• Lesions that don't heal

• Changes in color, size, or shape

Ask someone you trust to help examine areas that are difficult to see, such as your scalp and back.

If you notice a concerning change, don't wait for your next routine appointment to mention it.

What Happens If Your Dermatologist Finds Something Suspicious?

Finding a suspicious lesion does not automatically mean it is cancer.

Many lesions that look unusual turn out to be benign.

Depending on the lesion, your dermatologist may:

• Monitor it over time

• Take photographs

• Recommend a biopsy

• Remove the lesion

• Refer you for additional treatment

A biopsy allows a pathologist to examine the tissue under a microscope and determine what the lesion actually is.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early detection can make a significant difference in skin cancer management.

When suspicious lesions are identified before they have progressed, treatment may be more straightforward.

For melanoma in particular, early diagnosis is an important factor in prognosis.

That doesn't mean every mole needs to be removed. In fact, many moles are completely harmless.

The goal of screening is to identify the lesions that do require attention while avoiding unnecessary procedures for benign spots.

Don't Assume Your Skin Is Fine Because You Feel Fine

Your skin may not give you obvious warning signs when something is developing.

That's why preventive dermatology matters.

A routine skin examination can provide reassurance when everything looks healthy and an opportunity for early intervention when something requires closer attention.

If you've never had a comprehensive skin examination—or if it's been a while since your last one—fall can be a convenient time to schedule one, particularly after months of increased outdoor exposure.

Protect Your Skin Beyond Your Screening

A healthy skin routine includes more than an annual appointment.

Continue monitoring your skin between visits, protect yourself from UV exposure, and pay attention to changes.

You don't need to become an expert at diagnosing skin cancer yourself. Your job is simply to notice when something looks different and bring it to the attention of a dermatologist.

Take a Proactive Approach to Skin Health

You don't have to wait for a suspicious mole, unexplained bleeding, or another symptom to schedule a skin examination.

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, a professional skin cancer screening can help identify changes that aren't obvious to you.

At MDCS Dermatology, Carolyn Stull, MD, FAAD provides comprehensive dermatologic care, including evaluation of moles, suspicious lesions, and other skin concerns.

If it's time for your next skin examination, Book Online to schedule an appointment