What should you know about skin cancer screening procedure?

The clinician asks about changing moles, previous skin cancers, sun exposure, family history and any symptoms. You may be asked to undress to the extent needed for a thorough skin check while keeping you covered where possible. The examination includes the scalp, face, trunk, arms, legs, hands, feet and other areas relevant to your concerns. A dermatoscope provides magnified, illuminated views of structures that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Screening does not itself diagnose cancer. A spot may be photographed, measured for monitoring or sampled with a biopsy if its features need laboratory assessment.

Remove nail polish if you are concerned about a mark under a nail, and avoid heavy makeup or camouflage on areas you want examined. Make a note of spots that have changed in size, colour, border, bleeding or sensation. Bring previous photographs, biopsy information and a medicine list when available. Tell the clinician about tattoos, scars and areas that are difficult for you to see. Do not assume a screening replaces review of a new or changing lesion between appointments.

Arrange prompt assessment for a lesion that is changing, repeatedly bleeding, crusting, ulcerated, painful or not healing. Seek urgent help for severe bleeding, rapidly spreading redness with fever, facial swelling or breathing difficulty. A routine screening is useful for assessment, but a concerning change should be reported when you notice it rather than held for a distant appointment.

Ask which areas were examined, whether any spot needs a photograph or biopsy, how soon monitoring should occur, and which changes should prompt an earlier visit. Confirm when results will be available and how they will be communicated.