Skin cancer is a serious health threat, and having annual mole checks from your dermatologist is a good way to monitor your skin and catch problems early when cancer is much easier to treat. If you have suspicious moles, your dermatologist may take samples in for a biopsy, or they may just monitor the moles for any changes. Here's what you might expect during an annual mole check.

A Complete Skin Check Over Your Entire Body

Skin cancer can affect any part of your body, even on skin that doesn't get much sun. Your dermatologist will check your entire body for moles and other signs of skin cancer. The mole check could take several minutes to complete. The doctor may use a magnifying instrument to get a clear look at your moles so they can spot things like color differences and shape irregularities that could indicate skin cancer.

Questions About Changes You've Noticed

The doctor may also ask you about any skin changes you've noticed. Although it's important to see your dermatologist for an examination once a year, you also want to keep an eye on your skin at home. If you notice any new moles, or if old moles get bigger, change color, or change shape, let your dermatologist know, even if it's not time for your annual appointment yet. The more information you can provide your doctor, the better they can examine your skin and understand how your moles are changing.

Explanations About Their Findings

A large mole might be alarming at first, but moles don't always signal skin cancer. If your dermatologist is unsure about a mole they find, they will do a biopsy or at least monitor the mole for changes. The dermatologist can explain why moles you are concerned about warrant further testing or why they don't show signs of cancer so you know what is going on with your skin and your body.

Biopsies On Moles And Mole Removal

A biopsy is needed to confirm the presence of skin cancer. The dermatologist can take a sample from a suspicious mole on the same visit as your mole check. You may then go home and wait a few days to get the results of your biopsy test. If cancer is detected, you will need to return to the dermatologist to have the mole removed immediately.

In some cases, the dermatologist might recommend removing a mole right away and then send it off for a biopsy. The doctor takes into account the condition of the mole and its location when determining when to remove it. In some cases, a procedure is done where the biopsy results are returned the same day and the doctor removes the mole during the same visit. This type of mole removal may require multiple biopsies that allow the doctor to remove the cancerous tissue without removing too much of the healthy tissue around the mole.

For more information about mole checks, contact a local dermatologist.