How Long Do Skin Cancer Screenings Take?

What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening

During a skin cancer screening at Cochise Oncology, you can tell your doctor about any skin concerns, and they will pay special attention to these. You’ll be asked to undress and given a gown or drape to cover yourself with, while the healthcare professional examines your skin from head to toe. We ask that you arrive at the appointment with clean skin and no makeup so your provider can effectively examine your skin.

Your doctor will carefully examine any moles, freckles, or other spots on your skin, looking for signs of skin cancer. They may use a dermatoscope, a special magnifying instrument, to get a closer look at any suspicious spots. This process typically takes 15 minutes, and your whole appointment will likely take an hour or less.

What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

During a skin cancer screening, your doctor looks for several possible skin cancer signs. Potential signs of basal or squamous cell carcinoma include:

• Red, discolored, or pearl-colored bumps
• Skin that is flaking, crusty, or itchy
• Sensitive or irritated skin
• A sore that keeps coming back

Your provider will also check any moles for signs of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. They will look for moles that are asymmetrical, multicolored, have uneven borders, or have grown larger.