Skin Checks
A thorough, full-body skin cancer screening designed to catch melanoma and other skin concerns early, when they are easiest to treat.
Why skin checks matter
Skin cancer often develops gradually and without pain, so many people do not notice a problem until it has progressed. A skin check closes that gap. It allows your dermatologist to identify melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, atypical moles, and precancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis while they are still small and highly treatable.
Our practitioners use dermoscopy and advanced imaging to examine the skin with a level of precision the naked eye cannot match, supporting an accurate diagnosis and personalized monitoring over time.
Early detection remains the single most effective way to prevent serious complications from skin cancer.
The earlier melanoma is found, the higher the survival rate.What a skin check can catch
Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer, highly treatable when caught early but able to spread quickly if missed.
Basal & squamous cell carcinoma
The two most common skin cancers, both very treatable when identified before they grow or spread.
Atypical or dysplastic moles
Moles that show early warning signs and may need closer monitoring or removal before they change further.
Precancerous lesions
Conditions such as actinic keratosis, which can be treated early to prevent progression to skin cancer.
Who should prioritize regular skin checks
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A personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma
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Numerous moles, or moles that have changed in size, shape, or colour
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Fair skin, light-coloured eyes, or skin that burns easily in the sun
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A history of tanning bed use
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Significant cumulative sun exposure, including outdoor work or hobbies
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A history of blistering sunburns, particularly during childhood
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A weakened immune system or a history of organ transplant
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Age over 50, as skin cancer risk increases with age
If you fall into one or more of these categories, an annual or biannual skin check should be part of your preventative health routine, alongside your regular GP visits.
Good to know
A skin check is a screening exam, not a treatment. Patients with an active skin infection, open wound, or severe sunburn in the area to be examined may be asked to reschedule. A skin check does not replace regular self-examinations between visits or a full medical history review with your primary care physician.
What happens during a skin check
Our practitioners perform a systematic, head-to-toe examination, including areas that are easy to overlook such as the scalp, ears, back, and soles of the feet. We use dermoscopy and advanced imaging tools to examine moles and lesions in detail, reducing unnecessary biopsies and supporting an accurate diagnosis.
If a mole or lesion looks suspicious, your dermatologist will discuss the finding with you on the spot and explain the recommended next step, whether that is continued monitoring, a biopsy, or a referral for further treatment.
Mole mapping
For patients with a higher number of moles or a personal history of atypical lesions, we may recommend mole mapping: a photographic baseline of your skin that allows subtle changes to be tracked precisely from one visit to the next, rather than relying on memory alone.
What to expect
Before your visit
Arrive without makeup or nail polish where possible, and avoid self-tanner for a few days beforehand so your dermatologist has a clear, accurate view of your skin.
Duration
A standard full-body skin check takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of moles and whether any areas need closer examination.
During the exam
The exam is visual and dermoscopic, meaning it is painless and non-invasive. You will be asked to change into a gown for a thorough, private examination.
Afterward
There is no downtime. If a biopsy is needed, it is a brief, separate procedure with its own short recovery, which your dermatologist will explain fully beforehand.
Your results
Most of what a skin check finds is discussed with you the same day. If a mole or lesion looks concerning, your dermatologist explains it on the spot, and biopsy results typically take one to two weeks to come back from the lab.
For patients on mole mapping, results accumulate over time: each visit builds on the last, so subtle changes become easier to spot and act on years down the line, not just in a single appointment.
Same day
Verbal summary of findings and a clear plan: monitor, biopsy, or refer.
1 to 2 weeks
Biopsy results, if any were taken, along with next steps for treatment.
Ongoing
Your mole map or history builds over each visit, making future changes easier to catch.
Medically reviewed by Marc Meulener, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Choice Dermatology. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Most adults should have a full skin examination once a year. Patients with risk factors, a personal history of skin cancer, or a history of precancerous lesions are often advised to come in every three to six months instead.
Your dermatologist visually and dermoscopically examines the entire skin surface, from scalp to soles, documents any areas of concern, and discusses findings with you directly. Together you will decide whether any moles need monitoring, biopsy, or removal.
No. A skin check itself is completely non-invasive and painless. It is simply a visual and dermoscopic examination. If a biopsy is recommended, that is a separate, quick procedure performed under local anaesthetic.
Mole mapping is a photographic record of your skin used to track moles over time. It is particularly useful for patients with many moles or a personal or family history of melanoma, as it makes it much easier to spot new or changing lesions early.
If a lesion looks concerning, a quick and minimally invasive biopsy can usually be performed during the same visit or scheduled shortly after. Early treatment of skin cancer leads to significantly higher cure rates and less invasive treatment overall.
A standard full-body skin check typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of moles and whether any areas require closer examination.
We recommend arriving without makeup or nail polish where possible, as this allows your dermatologist to examine the skin and nails fully, including areas where skin cancer can sometimes be missed.
Coverage varies depending on your provider and plan. Our team can help confirm what applies to your specific situation before your appointment.
There is no strict minimum age. Anyone with risk factors, such as a family history of melanoma or a history of sunburns, can benefit from starting skin checks in their twenties or even earlier.
Skin checks near you in New Jersey
Choice Dermatology proudly provides skin cancer screenings and skin checks to patients throughout New Jersey.
Whether it is your first full-body exam or a follow-up to an existing mole mapping program, our team is here to give you the personalized, precise care your skin deserves.
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