Skin Cancer Screening Test

A skin cancer screening is a visual exam of your skin to look for moles, birthmarks, or other areas that have an unusual color, size, shape, or texture. It is done before you have any symptoms.

No, a screening is not used to diagnose cancer. If an area looks suspicious, you may need a skin biopsy to find out if it is cancer.

The most common types are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, and melanoma is less common but more serious.

If you or your provider finds a sign of skin cancer, you will likely have a skin biopsy. A small sample of skin is removed and checked under a microscope for cancer cells.

Yes. A false positive means the screening suggests cancer when there is none. A false negative means it misses cancer. If you are still concerned, talk to your provider about additional tests.