What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening?

Many people know they should schedule a yearly skin exam, but uncertainty about the process can keep them from making the appointment.

Patients often ask:
• “Will the exam be uncomfortable?”
• “How long does it take?”
• “What exactly do you look for?”

At Price Skin Care Clinic in Ridgeland, Mississippi, we perform comprehensive skin cancer screenings for patients across the Jackson metropolitan area as part of routine preventive care.

Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in protecting long-term skin health.

“The good news is that a professional skin cancer screening is quick, simple, and painless,” says Richard Price, M.D., of Price Skin Care Clinic. “In most cases, the entire process takes only a few minutes, but it can provide valuable insight into your long-term skin health.”

In this article, we’ll walk through exactly what happens during a skin exam so you know what to expect before your visit.

Why Skin Exams Matter
Your skin is constantly exposed to environmental factors such as sunlight, heat, and pollution. Over time, these exposures can lead to changes that increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

Many skin cancers develop gradually. In the early stages, they may appear as small or subtle changes that are easy to overlook.

As skin care providers, we are trained to recognize patterns and characteristics that may indicate a developing concern—often before symptoms become obvious.

That’s why a yearly skin exam is such an important part of preventive care.

Step 1: Reviewing Your Medical History
Your visit typically begins with a brief discussion about your health history and any skin concerns.

This helps us understand your personal risk factors and focus the exam appropriately.

Questions may include:
• Have you noticed any new or changing moles?
• Do you have a family history of skin cancer?
• Have you had frequent sunburns in the past?
• Do you use tanning beds or spend significant time in the sun?
• Have you had previous skin cancers or biopsies?

We may also ask about symptoms such as itching, bleeding spots, or sores that do not heal.

Clear communication at this stage helps us ensure a more thorough and effective exam.

Step 2: A Full-Body Skin Examination
The main part of the appointment is a complete visual examination of your skin.

We will carefully evaluate your skin from head to toe, looking for unusual moles, lesions, or discoloration.

This typically includes:
• Face and ears
• Scalp
• Neck and shoulders
• Arms and hands
• Chest and abdomen
• Back
• Legs and feet

Some of these areas – especially the scalp and back – are difficult to examine on your own, which is why professional screening is so valuable.

We may also check between the toes and under the nails, where skin changes can sometimes go unnoticed.

Step 3: Monitoring or Evaluating Suspicious Spots
If we see something that looks unusual, there are a few possible next steps.

In many cases, the spot may simply be photographed and monitored over time. Comparing images from future visits can help us determine whether it is changing.

If further evaluation is needed, we may recommend a biopsy.

A biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin so it can be examined under a microscope. This helps determine whether abnormal cells are present.

Most biopsies are quick and performed using local numbing medication to ensure comfort.

How to Prepare for Your Skin Exam
Preparing for a skin cancer screening is simple, but a few small steps can help make your visit more effective:

• Avoid heavy makeup so the skin is clearly visible
• Remove nail polish so nails can be fully examined
• Wear loose clothing for easy examination or gown change
• Make a note of any moles or spots you are concerned about
• Bring photos if you’ve documented any changes over time

These small steps help us perform a more complete evaluation.

Addressing Common Concerns About Skin Exams
Many people delay scheduling a skin exam simply because they don’t know what to expect. In reality, the process is straightforward and comfortable.

• Skin exams are quick
Most appointments take about 10–15 minutes.

• Skin exams are painless
The exam is a simple visual inspection of the skin.

• Skin exams are private and professional
We conduct the exam respectfully and efficiently with a focus on your comfort and care.

Understanding the process often makes it easier to schedule your appointment with confidence.

Routine Skin Exams Help Protect Your Health
A yearly skin exam is one of the simplest and most effective ways to monitor your skin and detect potential problems early.

When combined with monthly self-checks and good sun protection habits, these screenings play an important role in long-term skin health.

At Price Skin Care Clinic, we help patients identify concerns early and stay proactive about their skin health.

Coming Next in This Series
In the next article, we’ll discuss the warning signs of skin cancer you should never ignore, including how to recognize suspicious moles using the well-known ABCDE rule.

Understanding these signs can help you identify changes early and seek care quickly.

Schedule Your Annual Skin Exam Today
If you have not had a professional skin exam in the past year, now is a great time to schedule one. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to protect your skin and overall health.

The skin care team at Price Skin Care Clinic provides comprehensive skin evaluations and personalized care to help you maintain healthy skin.

Call 601.992.3996 to schedule your appointment today.

A few minutes of prevention can make a lasting difference in your long-term health.

Quick Facts: Common Questions About Skin Exams

What happens during a skin cancer screening?
We perform a full-body visual exam of the skin, checking for new or changing moles, spots, or lesions.

Will I need to undress for a skin exam?
Yes. You will typically change into a gown so we can carefully examine all areas of the skin, including hard-to-see regions.

Are skin exams uncomfortable?
No. The exam itself is painless and involves only a visual inspection of the skin.

What happens if something looks suspicious?
We may photograph the area for monitoring or recommend a biopsy for further evaluation.