Preparing for your
Full Body Skin Exam
Welcome to Sora Dermatology, where we take a team approach to your skin health.
We understand that preparing for a dermatology appointment, especially a full body skin check, can sometimes feel overwhelming.
But don't worry, we're here to guide you through the process so you can make the most out of your visit!
What is a skin cancer screening?
During your full body skin check appointment, your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin from head to toe to check for any suspicious moles, growths, or other skin abnormalities. This comprehensive examination helps to detect skin cancer or other dermatological conditions early, when they are most treatable.
What to expect:
A medical assistant will confirm your medical history, which includes current medications, allergies, skin cancer history, history of atypical moles, and family history. At this time, the medical assistant may ask if there are any specific questions or concerns you may have.
You will be asked to change into a gown as the medical assistant leaves the room. You can remove all clothing including your bra, but you can keep your underwear on.
The dermatologist will then come in to start your full body skin examination. A device called a dermatoscope is often used, which is a special magnifying device to examine suspicious moles or lesions more closely. We look at everything from your scalp, to your nails, to your feet.
A genital exam is optional. Please let us know if you would like for your dermatologist to perform a genital exam. Some patients have a gynecologist/urologist/family physician who performs these exams for you.
Do’s
Do: Tell us about any spots that you are specifically concerned about. Example “red flags” for suspicious lesions: have changed in color or size, never completely heal, bleed easily.
Do: Remove all fingernail/toenail polish and makeup before the appointment to ensure a thorough examination.
Do: Apply your normal moisturizers (unless they are tinted) to your skin on the day of your appointment.
Do: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to change in and out of.
Don’ts
Don’t: Be embarrassed! And don’t ever feel that you need to apologize for how you “look.” We've seen hair, skin, and nails in every state. We’re not here to judge. We’re here to evaluate, answer your questions, and develop a plan to keep your skin as healthy as it can be.
Possible Procedures:
In addition to your skin exam, the following procedures may occur during your visit:
Photography: Taking photographs of certain areas of your skin to monitor changes over time.
Cryotherapy: Spraying cold liquid nitrogen on a lesion. Usually this is done for actinic keratoses, which are pre-cancers.
Biopsy: Removing a small sample of tissue for further examination if the spot has suspicious features. This tissue is sent to a pathologist to evaluate under a microscope.
Shave Biopsy: A small razor is used to take a thin sample of tissue. No stitches are involved.
Punch Biopsy: A circular “punch” tool takes a pencil-eraser sized sample of tissue. 1-3 sutures may be placed to close the wound.
Excisional or Incisional Biopsy: If melanoma is highly suspected, a football-shaped incision around the mole will be made. This is to make sure the pathologist is given nearly the entire mole to analyze. Usually both deep sutures (that dissolve underneath the skin) and superficial sutures (seen on top of the skin) will be used.
We want to give each of your skincare concerns its deserved attention. The following scenarios may need additional appointments for follow-up or further evaluation:
If you have questions or concerns that require additional discussion or education. During your skin check, we want to focus on detecting skin cancers and pre-cancers. Other skin care concerns such as acne, hair loss, and rashes may require a separate visit so that the appropriate amount of time can be dedicated to evaluation, treatment plan development, and education.
Your dermatologist identifies suspicious areas that require further testing or monitoring. You may be asked to return sooner if we are photo monitoring a specific spot. You may be asked to return to discuss biopsy results and treatment plans.