It’s very important to have a skin examination annually, especially if your family has a history of skin cancer.

A visual examination of the skin will be conducted, and a dermoscope is used to further examine any moles found on your body. Photographs may be taken for use in future examinations to determine any changes in the size, shape or pigmentation of your moles. If the doctor finds a lesion that may be cancerous during your examination, he/she will conduct a biopsy to determine if it is skin cancer. The lesion will be removed and thoroughly examined through a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Visit the Skin Cancer Foundation website for more information.