Skin cancer check: what to expect
A skin cancer check is a look at your skin by a doctor or nurse for moles and spots that are unusual in color, size, shape or texture. No blood is taken. If a spot looks abnormal, a small piece is usually removed (a biopsy) and checked under a microscope. Your doctor decides whether you need a check and how often. (NCI, 2025) (AAD)
Who is offered a check
For adults and teens without symptoms, the USPSTF found the evidence insufficient to recommend for or against a skin exam by a clinician (I statement, 2023). It notes that no US professional organization recommends routine clinician skin exams for screening, while the American Academy of Dermatology encourages free public skin cancer screening events. (USPSTF, 2023) The NCI says regular skin checks by a doctor are important for people who have already had skin cancer. (NCI, 2025) A spot that is new, changing, itching or bleeding is not screening: tell your doctor about it. (NCI, 2025) (AAD, 2022) Who is at higher risk, by age: skin checks by age.
How to prepare
- Do not wear makeup, nail polish, heavy moisturizer or other skin treatments, so your skin and nails can be seen clearly. If you need to wear makeup, bring what you need to remove it. (AAD, 2022)
- Write down your questions and the medicines you take; the staff will ask about your medicines and your medical history. (AAD, 2022)
- Note any spot that has changed, and mention it when you book; a mole that is itching, bleeding or changing is worth telling the office about. (AAD, 2022)
What happens during the exam
- Head to toe: in a complete skin exam, the AAD says the dermatologist looks at all of your skin, including the scalp, face, genitals and the bottoms of your feet, and also checks your nails and looks inside your mouth. (AAD, 2021)
- What the doctor looks for: the size, shape, color and texture of any spot, and whether it is bleeding, oozing or crusting. The doctor may also feel the lymph nodes near an abnormal area. (ACS, 2026) The USPSTF describes the "ugly duckling" sign: a mole that looks different from your other moles. (USPSTF, 2023)
- Dermoscopy: dermatologists often look at a spot through a dermatoscope, a magnifying lens with a light held near the skin, sometimes after putting a thin layer of alcohol or oil on it. Photos may be taken to see whether the spot changes over time. (ACS, 2026)
- How long: the AAD's free public checks take about 10 minutes, including forms. At a public event with little privacy, only exposed skin such as the face, neck, arms and hands is checked; the AAD says such a quick check does not replace a regular exam with your own doctor. (AAD)
If a spot needs a biopsy
Most biopsies are done in the office. The doctor first numbs the area with a small injection, which can prick and sting briefly; you should not feel pain during the biopsy itself. (MedlinePlus, 2025) (ACS, 2026) Which kind you have depends on where the spot is, its size and type: (MedlinePlus, 2025)
- Shave biopsy: a small blade removes the top layers of skin; no stitches, and it leaves a small dent. (MedlinePlus, 2025) (ACS, 2026)
- Punch biopsy: a tool like a tiny round cookie cutter removes a deeper sample about the size of a pencil eraser; the edges are often stitched. (MedlinePlus, 2025) (ACS, 2026)
- Excisional biopsy: the whole spot is cut out with a scalpel and the skin is stitched; MedlinePlus says this is the type most often done when melanoma is suspected. (MedlinePlus, 2025)
- Incisional biopsy: a piece of a large growth is removed. (MedlinePlus, 2025)
Before a biopsy, tell your provider about all medicines and supplements you take, any allergies or bleeding problems, and whether you could be pregnant, and follow their instructions. (MedlinePlus, 2025) Risks include slight bleeding, infection and a scar; any biopsy is likely to leave at least a small scar, so ask about scarring beforehand. (MedlinePlus, 2025) (ACS, 2026)
Results
A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope. (NCI, 2025) Results most often come back in a few days to a week or more. If the spot is not cancer, you may not need anything more; if it was not fully removed, you and your provider may decide to remove the rest. (MedlinePlus, 2025) Because it is sometimes hard to tell whether a growth is cancer, the NCI says you may want a second pathologist to check the sample. (NCI, 2025) Next steps after any screening result: after an abnormal screening result.
Limits of a skin check
The NCI says skin exams to screen for skin cancer have not been shown to lower the number of deaths from it, and lists the risks: false-negative and false-positive results, and scarring from a biopsy. (NCI, 2025) In the studies the USPSTF reviewed, a clinician's visual exam found 40% to 70% of melanomas. (USPSTF, 2023)
Between visits
The AAD's ABCDEs describe spots to show a doctor: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter (melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser, but can be smaller) and Evolving. (AAD) The full list and how to check your own skin: the ABCDEs of melanoma.
Cost and coverage
The AAD's volunteer dermatologists offer free skin cancer checks. (AAD) What Medicare and private plans cover for skin checks and for a visit about a spot that worries you: skin checks by age.
Questions people ask
How long does a skin cancer check take?
At the American Academy of Dermatology's free skin cancer checks, about 10 minutes, including the forms. A full exam at a dermatology appointment varies with how many spots need a closer look. (AAD)
Do I have to undress for a skin check?
For a full-body exam, yes: the AAD describes the dermatologist looking at all of your skin, including the scalp, face, genitals and the bottoms of the feet, plus the nails and inside the mouth. At a public screening event with little privacy, only exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms and hands are checked. (AAD, 2021) (AAD)
Should I take off nail polish before a skin exam?
Yes. The AAD says not to wear makeup, nail polish, heavy moisturizer or other skin treatments, so the dermatologist can see your bare skin and nails. (AAD, 2022)
Does a skin biopsy hurt?
The area is numbed first with a small injection, which can prick and sting for a moment; after that you should not feel pain during the biopsy. Most biopsies leave at least a small scar. (ACS, 2026) (MedlinePlus, 2025)
How long do skin biopsy results take?
MedlinePlus says results most often come back in a few days to a week or more. (MedlinePlus, 2025)