Skin Cancer Screening (Total Body Skin Exam)
A Total Body Skin Exam — TBSE — is a systematic, head-to-toe examination of the entire skin surface. Scalp, behind the ears, between the toes, areas of the back you cannot easily see yourself. Every square inch. It takes 15 to 30 minutes and is the most reliable way to identify skin cancer or precancerous changes before they become a more complicated problem.
For most people living in Southwest Florida, this is not optional maintenance. The cumulative UV exposure that comes with decades of outdoor living in this region creates a skin cancer risk that is meaningfully higher than the national average. Many of the changes that UV exposure causes develop so slowly that patients adapt to them without noticing. A mole that has been gradually darkening for two years doesn’t feel alarming because the change was incremental. That’s exactly what makes regular professional examination valuable.
What the exam involves
We examine the full skin surface systematically, using dermoscopy where indicated. Dermoscopy is a handheld magnification tool that allows us to evaluate the internal architecture of moles and pigmented lesions — details invisible to the naked eye that help distinguish benign from concerning features. It doesn’t replace clinical judgment, but it significantly extends what we can assess visually.
During the exam we ask about your history: prior skin cancers, family history of melanoma, history of blistering sunburns, tanning bed use, current medications that affect sun sensitivity, and anything you’ve noticed yourself. That context shapes how we evaluate what we find and how frequently we recommend follow-up.
If something looks atypical, we tell you what we’re seeing and why. If a biopsy is warranted, we discuss it then and in most cases perform it the same day. You don’t leave wondering what we found.
How often should you be screened?
Annual screening is the standard recommendation for most adults, particularly those with a history of significant sun exposure, fair skin, light eyes, or a tendency to burn. If you’ve had a prior skin cancer of any type, annual exams at minimum are appropriate, and more frequent surveillance may be recommended depending on what we find.
Patients with a personal or family history of melanoma, a large number of moles, or atypical mole syndrome warrant closer monitoring. We’ll tell you specifically what schedule makes sense for you and why.
If you haven’t had a skin exam in more than a year and you’ve spent significant time in the Florida sun, now is the right time to schedule one.
Frequently asked questions
Is the exam painful?
The screening itself is visual and non-invasive. If a biopsy is warranted based on what we find, that involves a small injection of local anesthetic before the skin is sampled — most patients describe it as a brief pinch. The biopsy site heals in one to two weeks.
What if something suspicious is found?
We explain what we’re looking at in plain terms — what features concern us, what a biopsy would tell us, and what it would mean for follow-up. If you decide to proceed, the biopsy is usually done that same visit. Results return from pathology within one to two weeks, and we contact you to review them.
My regular doctor checks my skin at physicals. Is that enough?
A full-body skin exam by a board-certified dermatologist using dermoscopy is a different level of evaluation than a general physical exam. Dermatologists are specifically trained to recognize the full spectrum of skin cancer presentations, including subtle ones that are easy to miss without specific training and tools. For patients with any elevated risk, a dedicated dermatology exam is worth having.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact us directly to schedule a screening appointment.