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What is it?

A skin and mole check is a thorough examination conducted by a dermatologist to evaluate the health of your skin and identify any abnormalities, such as suspicious moles or lesions, that could indicate skin cancer or other dermatological issues.

We strongly advise annual full-body skin checks as a proactive measure for maintaining skin health. This recommendation is particularly important for individuals at higher risk of skin cancer due to factors such as having multiple or irregular moles, a family history of skin cancer, prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection or a weakened immune system.

During the check, we look for the three most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, known as “keratinocyte carcinomas,” are non-melanoma skin cancers that originate in the keratinocytes, which are the predominant cells in the epidermis (the outer layer of skin).

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, originating in the melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. Although less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma is more dangerous because it can spread rapidly to other organs if not caught early. Fortunately, melanoma is often curable when detected and treated promptly.

If you haven’t had an annual skin exam or notice any unusual changes on your skin—such as new or changing areas, discomfort or wounds that don’t heal—please contact our practice. Our experienced, board-certified dermatologists are well-equipped to provide expert care.

What to expect

During your appointment, we will perform a thorough examination from head to toe, including your scalp and the spaces between your fingers and toes. We will also review any specific areas of concern you have and examine them more closely. Our focus will be on identifying areas, moles, patches or lesions that appear different or abnormal, such as spots with irregular borders, multiple colors, or those larger than six millimeters in diameter (about a quarter inch). If we find an unusual area, we may use a magnifying device to get a closer look.

If an area of concern is detected, we may recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a small skin sample for testing. This procedure only takes a few minutes, and the biopsy site typically heals within one to two weeks. The sample will be sent to our lab for analysis, and we will discuss when you can expect the results (we understand this can be a stressful time and will ensure you receive the results as quickly as possible).

Should cancer be detected, we will arrange for additional treatments, such as surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. Depending on the severity, we may also prescribe medication or refer you to an oncologist for further care.

If you have any concerns, please contact our Chapel Hill Dermatology office, and we will schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. We are here to support you.