Physical Exam of the Skin for Skin Cancer

During a physical exam for a skin problem, your doctor will examine the skin over your whole body, looking for suspicious growths, moles, or lesions. The exam is done using a bright light and sometimes a magnifying lens. The scalp is examined by parting the hair.

A skin exam is done if you have:

• Suspicious moles or skin lesions.
• Symptoms of early skin cancer.
• A history of previous skin cancer.
• 50 or more Reference moles Opens New Window.
• Reference Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).
• A family history of skin cancer.

Early signs of skin cancer are a change in the skin, such as a growth, an irritation or a sore that does not heal, or a change in a wart or a mole.

Signs of melanoma

The Reference ABCDE rule Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window of detection means watching for:

• Reference Asymmetry Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
• Reference Border irregularity Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
• Reference Color Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance. Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, also are an early sign of melanoma.
• Reference Diameter Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. The mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm (0.2 in.), or about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be of concern.
• Reference Evolution Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or color.

Other signs of melanoma in a mole include changes in:

• Elevation, such as thickening or raising of a previously flat mole.
• Surface, such as scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding, or crusting.
• Surrounding skin, such as redness, swelling, or small new patches of color around a larger lesion (satellite pigmentations).
• Sensation, such as itching, tingling, or burning.
• Consistency, such as softening or small pieces that break off easily (friability).

Other signs of skin cancer

Signs of skin cancer include:

• A firm, transparent bump laced with tiny blood vessels in thin red lines (telangiectasias).
• A reddish or irritated patch of skin.
• A new, smooth skin bump (nodule) with a raised border and indented center.
• A smooth, shiny, or pearly bump that may look like a mole or cyst.
• A shiny area of tight-looking skin, especially on the face, that looks like a scar and has poorly defined edges.
• An open sore that oozes, bleeds, or crusts and has not healed in 3 weeks.
• A persistent red bump on sun-exposed skin.
• A sore that does not heal or an area of thickened skin on the lower lip, especially if you smoke or use chewing tobacco, or your lips are exposed to the sun and wind.

Photographs may be used to document and detect changes in the skin, especially atypical moles. Some medical centers use computers to compare photographs taken at an earlier exam with new photographs of suspicious moles and lesions. This technique may more accurately determine whether a mole or lesion is changing.

Doctors don't have to do a biopsy to see if a lesion is benign (noncancerous). They may use a dermatoscope to see spots on the skin. This tool's special magnifying lens and light source help the doctor see the skin more clearly. Also, with a method called confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), doctors can look even more closely at changes in the cells and tissue of the skin.

Some experts think it's a good idea to check your own skin every month and have your doctor check periodically. People who are at risk for skin cancer or those who are over 40 years old may want to have their doctor check their skin every year. If you have already had skin cancer, your doctor will recommend more frequent exams.

Complete the medical test information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this test.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.