What it is
A full-body skin exam is a visual check of the skin from head to toe, done by a trained clinician. A mole check is a closer look at one or more specific spots. Both aim to notice anything that may deserve more attention, and neither can be done reliably on yourself in the mirror.
Dermoscopy uses a small handheld magnifier with special lighting so a clinician can see features beneath the skin's surface that the eye alone may miss. It is typically painless and quick. A biopsy is when a clinician removes a small sample of a spot, or the whole spot, so it can be examined under a microscope by a specialist.
Many people mix up moles, warts and other skin growths because they can look alike. Only a licensed clinician can tell them apart after an exam. If a spot is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing, it should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer and should not be self-treated.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Skin checks have long been done in dermatology offices, and also by some primary care clinicians. Many people have a check when they notice something new or different, and some choose regular exams, especially if a clinician has suggested them.
Clinicians often use a general guide called the ABCDEs of melanoma (asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving) to describe features worth a closer look. It is a general educational guide only, not a way to diagnose yourself, and a spot can matter even if it doesn't fit the list.
If a spot looks uncertain, a clinician may monitor it over time, take photographs to compare later, or recommend a biopsy. Which path makes sense is decided by the clinician after an evaluation, and approaches differ from person to person.
How the right provider may help
At a visit, you may be asked about your skin history, any spots that worry you, and whether anything has changed. You may be asked to undress to your comfort level and wear a gown. The clinician will usually look at your whole skin surface, including the scalp, between the toes, and other places that are hard to see.
It can help to point out any spot that has changed, bled, itched or simply looks different from your others. Photos you took earlier can be useful. If you have a spot you thought was a wart, say so, because a clinician can check whether it really is one.
Questions you might ask include: What do you see on my skin? Does anything need a closer look or a biopsy? How will I get results? How often should I have skin checks, given my situation? What should I watch for between visits? Providers.plus lists licensed providers if you'd like to find one.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Worrying about a spot can make it hard to sleep or focus, and long stretches of stress may make people avoid appointments they need. Booking a check is often a relief in itself, because it replaces wondering with information.
If worry about your skin feels heavy, support may help alongside medical care. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support for tension and stress, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy. These do not replace a skin exam by a licensed clinician, and every approach can have a place in caring for the whole person.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- A spot that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer. Do not self-treat it.
- Never cut, burn or dig out a mole or growth at home, and do not use over-the-counter wart products on a spot that hasn't been examined.
- Only a licensed clinician can decide what a spot is and what care is appropriate after an evaluation. Results and next steps vary from person to person.
- For emergencies call 911. If you are in crisis or feeling overwhelmed, call or text the 988 Lifeline.
A changing, bleeding or irregular spot needs a dermatologist, not a wart treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
What happens during a skin cancer screening?
A clinician looks over your skin from head to toe, often using a magnifier called a dermatoscope on spots of interest. You may be asked about changes you've noticed and your skin history. If something needs a closer look, the clinician will explain the options, which may include a biopsy.
Where can I get a mole check near me?
Dermatologists commonly perform mole checks, and some primary care clinicians do as well. You can look for licensed providers through Providers.plus or ask your regular clinician for a referral. Availability and requirements vary by location and insurance.
What should I do about a changing mole?
A changing mole should be seen by a dermatologist or another licensed clinician soon, rather than watched at home or treated yourself. Changes in size, shape, color, bleeding, itching or a sore that doesn't heal are all worth mentioning. Only a clinician can say what the spot is after an exam.
Is dermoscopy painful?
Dermoscopy is generally not painful. The clinician places a small lighted magnifier against the skin to view it more closely. It usually takes only a short time for each spot.
Does a biopsy mean I have skin cancer?
No, a biopsy does not by itself mean you have skin cancer. It is a way to examine a sample of a spot so a specialist can say what it is. Clinicians recommend them for many reasons, and your provider can explain the results with you.
Can I treat a spot myself if I think it is a wart?
It's best not to guess. Spots that look like warts can be something else, and a growth that is changing, bleeding, itching or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer. Ask a clinician to examine it before trying any wart removal product, and never cut or burn it at home.
Educational resource. Warts.ai shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.