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Essential Skin Cancer Checks and Testing Guide

Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and in the United States, but it’s also highly treatable when found early.

Regular skin checks—at home and with a dermatologist—can dramatically improve outcomes, and new treatments are extending survival even in advanced melanoma.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer starts when abnormal cells in the skin grow out of control. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are far more common, while melanoma is less common but more likely to spread if not caught early. In the U.S., about 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by age 70, with millions of cases treated each year (American Academy of Dermatology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Melanoma accounts for a small percentage of cases but a majority of skin cancer deaths. When melanoma is found early and confined to the skin, the 5‑year relative survival is about 99%; if it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, survival is roughly 75%; and if it has spread to distant organs, it’s about 35% (American Cancer Society, 2024).

Anyone can get skin cancer. Risk increases with ultraviolet (UV) exposure (sun or tanning beds), fair skin, light eyes or hair, many or atypical moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, weakened immune system, certain genetic syndromes, and older age. People of all skin tones can develop skin cancer, and because detection can be delayed in darker skin, cancers may present at more advanced stages (CDC; AAD).

Warning signs to watch for

Most skin cancers are visible. A monthly self-exam can help you spot changes early and decide when to seek a dermatologist for skin cancer.

  • ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm), and Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, symptoms).
  • “Ugly duckling” sign: a mole that looks different from your others.
  • Nodular melanoma can grow quickly; remember EFG: Elevated, Firm, and Growing rapidly over weeks.
  • BCC/SCC clues: non-healing sore, pearl-like bump, scaly red patch, scar-like area, crusted lesion, or a spot that bleeds easily.

If you see a changing spot or a new growth that worries you, book a skin check near me promptly rather than waiting for it to “go away.” Photos taken with consistent lighting can help track changes over time (AAD).

How skin cancer testing works

People often search for skin cancer testing or skin cancer testing near me. For most, testing begins with a full-body skin examination by a dermatologist who may use a handheld device called a dermatoscope to examine structures under the skin surface. If a spot looks suspicious, the next step is a biopsy: removing a small sample (shave, punch, or excisional) for a pathologist to analyze under a microscope—the definitive way to diagnose skin cancer (American Academy of Dermatology; National Cancer Institute PDQ).

Routine population screening with total-body skin exams has insufficient evidence to recommend for or against it in asymptomatic adults, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. However, individuals at higher risk (history of skin cancer, many/atypical moles, immunosuppression, heavy UV exposure, or strong family history) may benefit from periodic professional exams—discuss the right interval with your clinician (USPSTF, 2023; AAD).

When melanoma is diagnosed, further testing may include a sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging, and, in some cases, imaging (such as PET/CT) and molecular testing of the tumor (e.g., BRAF mutation status) to guide treatment decisions (NCI PDQ).

Treatment options at a glance

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas (keratinocyte cancers)

  • Surgery: standard excision or Mohs micrographic surgery for facial/critical sites, offering high cure rates while sparing healthy tissue (AAD).
  • Topical therapies: 5‑fluorouracil, imiquimod for select superficial lesions.
  • Radiation therapy: for patients who cannot undergo surgery or for certain sites.
  • Systemic therapy: hedgehog pathway inhibitors for advanced BCC; immune checkpoint inhibitors such as cemiplimab for advanced or metastatic SCC (FDA; NCI).

Melanoma

  • Early-stage (I–II): wide local excision; sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging in select cases.
  • Stage III (node-positive) and resected Stage II high risk: adjuvant therapy can reduce recurrence risk, including PD‑1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) and, for BRAF‑mutant tumors, BRAF/MEK targeted therapy (dabrafenib/trametinib). Evidence from randomized trials shows improved recurrence-free survival (NEJM; NCI PDQ).
  • Stage IV or unresectable: options include immunotherapy for advanced melanoma and targeted therapy for BRAF‑mutant disease.

Yervoy and Opdivo for melanoma: what to know

Yervoy (ipilimumab) targets CTLA‑4 and Opdivo (nivolumab) targets PD‑1. Used together or alone, these checkpoint inhibitors help the immune system recognize and attack melanoma. In the CheckMate‑067 trial, the combination (nivolumab + ipilimumab) improved progression‑free and overall survival versus either agent alone, though it caused more side effects. Five‑year overall survival was approximately 52% with the combination, 44% with nivolumab alone, and 26% with ipilimumab alone; grade 3–4 treatment‑related adverse events were more frequent with the combination (NEJM 2019; FDA labels).

In the adjuvant setting (after surgery) for stage III melanoma, the CheckMate‑238 trial showed nivolumab improved recurrence‑free survival with fewer serious adverse events compared with ipilimumab (NEJM 2017). Oncologists and a dermatologist specializing in melanoma or a melanoma cancer doctor can discuss whether single‑agent PD‑1 therapy or the combination is appropriate based on disease burden, mutation status, comorbidities, and tolerance of potential immune‑related toxicities.

Side effects and safety: Immune‑related adverse events can affect skin, gut, liver, lungs, endocrine glands, and other organs. Many are manageable with prompt recognition and corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, but severe cases can be life‑threatening. Patients should report new symptoms immediately during treatment (NCI PDQ; FDA).

Prevention and risk reduction

  • Seek shade and avoid midday sun; never use indoor tanning devices (CDC; AAD).
  • Use a broad‑spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher; reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear protective clothing, a wide‑brimmed hat, and UV‑blocking sunglasses.
  • Perform monthly self‑exams and schedule periodic professional exams if you’re at higher risk. If you notice a changing lesion, book a skin check near me with a board‑certified dermatologist.

How to find the right specialist

If you’re concerned about a spot, look for a dermatologist for skin cancer—ideally board‑certified and experienced in dermoscopy and biopsy. For complex cases, consider a dermatologist specializing in melanoma or a melanoma cancer doctor (medical oncologist) at an NCI‑designated cancer center.

  • Search tools: AAD “Find a Dermatologist,” NCI‑designated Cancer Centers directory, and hospital/insurer provider directories.
  • What to ask: experience with dermoscopy and biopsies, turnaround time for pathology, access to multidisciplinary care, and availability of clinical trials for advanced disease.
  • Near you: When searching “skin cancer testing near me” or “skin check near me,” include your city or ZIP and filter for board certification and melanoma expertise.

Key takeaways

  • Most skin cancers are curable when found early—don’t ignore changing spots.
  • Diagnosis requires a biopsy; there is no blood test that replaces a tissue diagnosis for typical skin cancers.
  • Modern therapies—including Yervoy and Opdivo for melanoma—have significantly improved outcomes for many with advanced disease, though close monitoring for side effects is essential.
  • Sun safety and regular checks are your best prevention strategies.

Sources

  • American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Skin cancer facts, self‑exam, and treatment overviews — https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer
  • American Cancer Society (2024): Survival rates for melanoma skin cancer — https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates-for-melanoma-skin-cancer.html
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Skin cancer prevention — https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/
  • U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF, 2023): Screening for skin cancer — https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/skin-cancer-screening
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI) PDQ: Melanoma treatment — https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/melanoma-treatment-pdq
  • Larkin J, et al. Five‑Year Survival with Combined Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2019;381:1535‑1546 — https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1910836
  • Weber J, et al. Adjuvant Nivolumab versus Ipilimumab in Resected Stage III/IV Melanoma (CheckMate‑238). N Engl J Med. 2017;377:1824‑1835 — https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1709030
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Drug labels for nivolumab and ipilimumab — https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/
  • NCI: Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment — https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-treatment-pdq