TOTAL BODY SKIN EXAM

Comprehensive Skin Examination & Lesion Assessment

A Total Body Skin Exam is a systematic medical examination of the skin designed to identify new, changing, atypical, or suspicious lesions that require closer evaluation, monitoring, biopsy, or treatment.

The examination also helps distinguish common benign-appearing findings from lesions that warrant additional diagnostic attention, particularly in patients with numerous moles, significant sun exposure, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.

WHAT IS A TOTAL BODY SKIN EXAM?

A Total Body Skin Exam involves a systematic inspection of the skin, including areas that may be difficult to examine at home.

The extent of the skin examination is always discussed with the patient, and only areas consented to by the patient are examined. Patient comfort and clinical relevance are prioritized throughout the visit.

Dermoscopic examination provides magnified visualization of pigmented and non-pigmented lesions, including pigment patterns, borders, surface structures, and vascular features not readily visible to the naked eye.

Digital dermoscopic images are displayed on a computer screen during the examination, allowing detailed assessment of lesion characteristics and helping patients see and understand the findings being discussed.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

Avoid makeup and nail polish so the skin and nails can be examined clearly
Make note of new, changing, bleeding, itching, painful, or non-healing lesions
Identify any lesions you have been monitoring or are particularly concerned about
Be prepared to discuss any personal or family history of skin cancer

WHAT THE EXAM CAN — AND CANNOT — DETERMINE

A Total Body Skin Exam provides clinical assessment of the skin, but visual examination alone cannot establish the definitive diagnosis of every lesion.

During the examination, findings may be identified as:

Clinically benign-appearing, requiring no immediate intervention
Appropriate for clinical or dermoscopic monitoring
Suspicious or diagnostically uncertain, requiring biopsy or excision for tissue diagnosis

A biopsy is a separate procedure used to remove all or part of a lesion and obtain a tissue specimen for diagnosis. The specimen is then sent to a pathology laboratory, where it is processed and examined microscopically by a pathologist or dermatopathologist.

The pathology report provides the definitive tissue diagnosis and guides subsequent management.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE EXAM

The skin can be examined from the scalp to the soles of the feet, based on patient consent
Patients may decline examination of any area
Particular attention is given to new, changing, symptomatic, or unusual lesions
Selected lesions are examined with dermoscopy
Concerning or selected lesions can be documented with clinical or dermoscopic photography
Findings and recommendations for observation, monitoring, biopsy, excision, or further treatment are discussed with the patient

AFTER THE EXAM

Following the examination, findings and recommendations are reviewed with the patient.

Benign-appearing lesions may require no further intervention, or observation and re-evaluation may be recommended
Selected lesions may be documented with clinical or dermoscopic images for future comparison
For one or more suspicious or diagnostically uncertain lesions, shave biopsy, punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, or complete excision may be recommended
Recommended procedures are discussed with the patient and scheduled as appropriate

LEARN MORE ABOUT SKIN CANCER

A Total Body Skin Exam is intended to identify lesions that deserve further evaluation; it does not itself establish a skin cancer diagnosis.

For information about basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, diagnosis, and what happens after skin cancer is identified, see our Skin Cancer section.

Schedule a Total Body Skin Exam

A Total Body Skin Exam provides systematic evaluation of moles, sun-related skin changes, and other lesions throughout the body.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a Total Body Skin Exam.

Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend on clinical findings, diagnostic requirements, and patient-specific factors. Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical result can be guaranteed.

Learn More About