A full body skin exam for skin cancer screening is offered to every patient who comes to Cinco Ranch Dermatology and is actually recommended for all new patients who have risk factors for skin cancer. Risk factors include a family history of skin cancer, sun exposure that has resulted in sunburns, any tanning bed history or smoking history, fair skin, numerous moles, lighter colored hair, and blue/green eye color. Even if you have none of these risk factors, a full body skin exam can give you some reassurance and also some answers about various spots on your skin. If you are coming in for a rash or acne, I sometimes cannot perform a full body skin exam because we will spending most of our time addressing those issues but please bring up your interest in a full body skin exam during your appointment if you feel you have the above risk factors. The full body skin exam is not something that can rushed through or quickly tacked onto the end of an appointment because I want to go slowly and meticulously over your skin to spot any skin cancers.

        The full body skin check will include all visible skin. This involves examination of the scalp by parting the hair, full face, neck, chest, back, arms, legs, fingers, toes, nails, buttocks and genitalia. Most of the exam is done using a bright light but several lesions may also be checked with a specialized hand-held microscope called a dermatoscope. Photographs are frequently taken and kept securely in your medical record and will not be shared except if you request them be sent to your primary care physician.

       The exam is done with your modesty in mind and with professionalism and respect. I always ask permission before moving forward with the exam and you are in complete control of what areas I exam, the pace of the exam, etc. I want you to be comfortable because I know it can be scary and off-putting to have a doctor look at you so thoroughly. While it may be awkward for you the first time, the reassurance of knowing that every part of your skin has been screened for skin cancer is worth it. Based on your skin exam, we can determine what frequency for follow up is appropriate for you.