Don’t Get Burned: Your Head-to-Toe Guide to Skin Cancer Screenings

Around 9,500 people in the United States receive a skin cancer diagnosis every day, more than any other type of cancer. Most cases are highly treatable when caught early, but that window narrows considerably the longer a suspicious spot goes unchecked.

At Vivida Dermatology, with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, our board-certified dermatologists perform full-body skin cancer screenings to catch problems before they become serious. Here’s what you need to know about how screenings work and why they matter.

Who should get screened?

A skin cancer screening isn’t just for people who’ve spent years in the sun without protection. Certain factors put some people at higher risk, but skin cancer can develop in anyone, including people with darker skin tones who are often told they don’t need to worry.

You’re at higher risk if you have any of the following:

• A history of sunburns, especially blistering ones, early in life
• Fair skin, light eyes, or red or blonde hair
• A personal or family history of skin cancer
• Many moles or atypical moles
• A history of tanning bed use
• A weakened immune system
• Heavy occupational or recreational sun exposure

Even without obvious risk factors, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all adults perform monthly self-exams and see a dermatologist if they notice anything new, changing, or unusual.

What happens during a full-body screening

Many patients put off screenings because they’re unsure what to expect. The appointment is straightforward and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

First, you change into a gown so your dermatologist can examine your skin from head to toe, including areas you’d never think to check on your own — your scalp, between your toes, the soles of your feet, behind your ears, and under your nails. 

Our dermatologists use dermoscopy, a tool that magnifies the skin’s surface well beyond what the naked eye can see, to get a closer look at any spots that warrant more attention.

If something looks suspicious, your dermatologist may recommend a biopsy. During the procedure, your provider removes a small tissue sample and sends it to a lab for analysis, the only definitive way to confirm a diagnosis.

The types of skin cancer your dermatologist is looking for

Not all skin cancer looks the same, and some forms are far more dangerous than others. Our dermatologists are trained to recognize each type, including subtler presentations that are easy to miss without a trained eye. The most common types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form and tends to grow slowly. It can show up as a shiny raised bump, a pale patch that looks almost like a scar, or a pink lesion with slightly rolled edges. It rarely travels beyond the original site, but it can cause local damage if you leave it alone long enough.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type and is more likely to spread if you don’t address it early. It often presents as a rough, scaly patch that won’t clear up, a raised bump with a crusted surface, or a wound that seems to heal and then breaks open again. 

It tends to show up on areas that get the most sun — the face, ears, neck, and backs of the hands.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form because it spreads quickly and aggressively to other organs. It can show up as a new spot anywhere on the body or as a change in a mole you’ve had for years. 

The ABCDE framework — asymmetry, border irregularity, multiple colors, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and any evolution in appearance — gives you a starting point for identifying spots worth having evaluated.

How to check your own skin between appointments

Professional screenings are important, but monthly self-exams help you catch changes between visits. Use a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror for harder-to-see areas. Look for any new spots, growths that have changed in size or color, or sores that aren’t healing.

If something looks different than it did last month, don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment. 

Skin cancer screening in Las Vegas, Henderson, and St. George

Catching skin cancer early makes treatment simpler and outcomes better. Call Vivida Dermatology or book an appointment online at one of our Nevada or Utah locations to schedule your full-body screening.