How does skin cancer screening work?

The clinician asks about changing moles, previous skin problems, sun exposure, and personal or family history. They inspect the skin, including areas that are easy to overlook, and may use a dermatoscope to view structures beneath the surface without cutting the skin. Mole mapping can create images for comparison when you have many moles or lesions that need tracking. Screening does not itself confirm cancer. If a spot remains concerning, a skin biopsy removes a sample for laboratory examination.

Remove makeup, nail colour, and camouflage from areas being examined if your clinic requests it. Make a note of new, changing, itchy, bleeding, or non-healing spots and tell the clinician when you first noticed them. Bring previous dermatology records or images when available. Do not pick a crust or cover a lesion before the appointment unless wound care requires it.

Book a timely assessment for a spot that changes in size, shape, colour, or sensation, or for a sore that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or fails to heal. Do not wait for a routine check if a lesion is rapidly changing or bleeding without clear injury. Urgent care is appropriate for heavy bleeding or signs of infection after a biopsy.

Which spots need monitoring, photographs, or biopsy? Would mole mapping help compare future images? When will I receive biopsy results, and what wound changes should prompt a call?