How to Perform a Self-Exam for Skin Cancer at Home

Did you know that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation? While that number sounds alarming, early detection can make all the difference in successful treatment. Our guide will teach you how to perform a simple at-home skin check, spot potential warning signs, and determine when to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. 

At Longhorn Dermatology in Spicewood, Dr. Brian Ransdell and Dr. Megan Trainor specialize in skin cancer detection and treatment, offering advanced options such as Mohs micrographic surgery, excision, and other therapies. Their extensive training and experience allow them to provide highly precise, patient-centered care.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Skin Cancer Self-Exam

It’s important to perform your self-exam in a well-lit room with a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Here’s how:

1. Start with your face and scalp. Use a comb or blow-dryer to part your hair so you can see your scalp. Don’t forget your ears and lips.
2. Check your hands and arms. Include palms, between your fingers, and under nails.
3. Look at your torso. Examine your chest, stomach, and sides. Women should also lift their breasts to check underneath.
4. Use mirrors for your back. Look at your shoulders, neck, and back—these are common areas that people often overlook.
5. Finish with your legs and feet. Examine the soles, between toes, and under toenails.
6. Don’t skip hidden areas. The buttocks and genital area are also important to check.

Helpful tips: Take photos or keep a mole map so you can track changes over time. If possible, ask a partner to help with hard-to-see spots.

What to Look For: The ABCDEs of Melanoma

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
• B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
• C – Color: Varied shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color over time.

Other skin changes to watch for include sores that don’t heal, new growths, or spots that itch, bleed, or crust.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. A dermatologist can determine whether a spot is harmless or requires treatment. At Longhorn Dermatology, Dr. Ransdell, a fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, and Dr. Trainor, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, bring specialized expertise in removing skin cancers with precision while preserving healthy tissue. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include excision or Mohs surgery. 

Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening in Spicewood

Performing regular skin self-exams is a simple, proactive way to protect your health. By knowing what to look for and acting quickly on changes, you improve your chances of catching skin cancer early. For expert care and peace of mind, schedule a professional skin exam at Longhorn Dermatology today.

Call Longhorn Dermatology in Spicewood, Texas at 512-961-5250 to book a routine skin cancer check or an evaluation for a concerning spot.