What happens during a skin cancer screening?Skin cancer screenings may be done by yourself, your primary care provider, or a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in disorders of the skin.If you are screening yourself, you will need to do a head-to-toe exam of your skin. The exam should be done in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. You'll also need a hand mirror to check areas that are hard to see. The exam should include the following steps:Stand in front of the mirror and look at your face, neck, and stomach.Women should look under their breasts.Raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.Look at the front and back of your forearms.Look at your hands, including between your fingers and under your fingernails.Look at the front, back, and sides of your legs.Sit down and examine your feet, checking the soles and the spaces between the toes. Also check the nail beds of each toe.Check your back, buttocks, and genitals with the hand mirror.Part your hair and examine your scalp. Use a comb or a hair dryer along with a hand mirror to help you see better.If you are getting screened by a dermatologist or other health care provider, it may include the follow steps:You will remove all your clothing. But you can wear a gown. If you are uncomfortable being undressed in front of your provider, you can ask to have a nurse in the room with you during the exam.Your provider will give you a head-to-toe exam, including your scalp, behind your ears, fingers, toes, buttocks, and genitals. The exam may be embarrassing, but it's important to get checked, as skin cancer can occur anywhere on your skin.Your provider may use a special magnifying glass with a light to look at certain marks.The exam should take 10-15 minutes.
