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A head-to-toe skin exam checking for cancer or other harmful skin conditions.
What is it?
A full body exam, conducted by a board-certified dermatologist, is a medical examination aimed at evaluating the health of your skin and identifying any irregularities, including suspicious moles or lesions that may indicate skin cancer or other dermatological concerns.
At Mountain State Dermatology, we strongly recommend annual comprehensive skin examinations as part of proactive skin health maintenance, especially for individuals at higher risk of skin cancer. This includes people with numerous moles, irregular or atypical moles, a family history of skin cancer, prolonged sun exposure without proper protection, or a compromised immune system.
During the assessment, our focus is on identifying the three most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
If you have not undergone an annual skin examination or notice any unusual changes on your skin, such as new or evolving skin lesions, discomfort, or non-healing wounds, we encourage you to make a consultation with one of our dermatologists.
What to expect
During your appointment, we conduct a comprehensive examination covering every part of your body, including your scalp and the spaces between your fingers and toes. We also address any areas of concern you may have, examining them closely to look for any suspicious characteristics. Our focus is on identifying any areas, moles, patches, or lesions that appear different or abnormal, such as those with irregular borders, multiple colors, or a diameter exceeding six millimeters (approximately one-quarter of an inch).
If we spot any suspicious areas, we may utilize a magnifying device for a closer examination. Should we encounter a concerning area, we may recommend a skin biopsy, which involves obtaining a small skin sample for testing. This procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and the biopsy site typically heals within one to two weeks. We then send the biopsy to our laboratory for analysis and inform you of when to expect the results, understanding that waiting for results can be an anxious time. Rest assured, we strive to provide you with the results as promptly as possible.
If skin cancer is diagnosed, we arrange for further treatment, which may include surgical removal of the affected area. If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact one of our offices at Mountain State Dermatology, and we'll schedule an appointment for you with one of our board-certified dermatologists at our Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Elkins, Hurricane, Morgantown, Parkersburg, South Charleston and Wheeling, West Virginia; in Waynesburg and Uniontown, Pennsylvania or in Marietta, Ohio locations. We're here to support you every step of the way.