Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States — more than 5 million cases are diagnosed each year. A full-body skin examination by a board-certified dermatologist takes approximately 15 minutes and can detect melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and precancerous lesions at their most treatable stages. It is one of the highest-value preventive health appointments available.
What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Exam
At Belaray Dermatology, a full-body skin exam is performed by a board-certified physician or physician assistant under physician supervision. The exam is systematic and comprehensive:
- Scalp — hair is parted to examine the scalp, which is a common but frequently missed site for skin cancer
- Face, ears, and neck — including the lips, inside the ears, and hairline
- Trunk, chest, and back — the entire torso, including areas that rarely see sun
- Arms, hands, and fingers — including between the fingers and under the nails
- Legs, feet, and toes — including the soles and between the toes
- Dermoscopy — a handheld magnification instrument that allows detailed examination of pigmented lesions, improving diagnostic accuracy for melanoma
Patients are asked to undress to their undergarments; a gown is provided. The entire exam typically takes 10–15 minutes. Any suspicious lesions may be photographed for future comparison or biopsied at the same visit.
What Skin Conditions a Skin Exam Can Detect
- Melanoma — the most serious skin cancer; highly curable at Stage I (98% 5-year survival), but rapidly worsening prognosis if diagnosed late
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common skin cancer; locally destructive if untreated but rarely spreads
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — the second most common; carries a meaningful risk of spread if high-risk features are present
- Actinic keratoses — rough, scaly precancerous lesions caused by UV damage; treatable before they progress to SCC
- Dysplastic (atypical) nevi — moles with irregular features that warrant monitoring or removal
- Merkel cell carcinoma and other rare tumors — uncommon but identified by experienced dermatologists
Who Should Get Annual Skin Exams — and How Often
Once per year (standard recommendation)
- Adults aged 40+ with significant lifetime sun exposure
- Anyone with a personal history of any skin cancer (BCC, SCC, melanoma)
- Anyone with a first-degree relative with melanoma
- Patients with 50+ moles, or any atypical/dysplastic moles
- Fair-skinned individuals (Fitzpatrick type I–II) or those with red/blonde hair
Every 6 months (higher-risk patients)
- Patients with a prior melanoma diagnosis
- Organ transplant recipients or others on long-term immunosuppression
- Patients with a history of Mohs surgery (higher lifetime skin cancer risk)
- Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum or other high-risk genetic conditions
Skin exams after Mohs surgery: A history of BCC or SCC significantly increases your lifetime risk of developing additional skin cancers. Belaray Dermatology recommends follow-up skin exams every 6 months for the first 5 years after a skin cancer diagnosis, then annually. Your provider will establish a personalized surveillance schedule at your post-operative visit.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Between annual exams, the ABCDE criteria help patients check their own skin for signs of skin cancer and identify moles that should be evaluated promptly:
- A — Asymmetry: One half does not match the other
- B — Border: Irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges
- C — Color: Variation in color — shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within the same lesion
- D — Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
- E — Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or a new symptom such as bleeding or itching
From Patients After Their Skin Exams
“The office is well kept, the staff is very nice and the doctor was informative, gentle, and answered all my questions when I went in for a full body scan for skin cancer.”
“I was pleased with my full body exam. It was thorough and the PA listened to my concerns, addressed them and gave me treatment options”
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a full-body skin exam?
For most adults with no prior skin cancer history and average risk, an annual full-body skin exam is recommended. Patients with a personal or family history of melanoma, multiple atypical moles, or a history of Mohs surgery should be seen every 6 months. Your dermatologist will determine the appropriate interval based on your individual risk profile.
What does a full-body skin exam involve?
Your dermatologist systematically examines your skin from scalp to soles — including areas typically covered by clothing. The exam takes about 15 minutes. Any suspicious lesions may be photographed for monitoring or biopsied at the same visit.
Can a skin exam detect melanoma?
Yes. Dermatologists use dermoscopy and clinical pattern recognition to identify early melanoma. Stage I melanoma has a 5-year survival rate exceeding 98%. When detected at Stage IV, that rate drops below 30%. Early detection at routine exams is the single most effective intervention for improving melanoma outcomes.
Schedule Your Annual Skin Exam
Belaray Dermatology performs full-body skin exams at our Hicksville and Stony Brook offices on Long Island. Same-week appointments are often available. Most insurance plans accepted.