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Dermatology service

Mole Checks & Full-Body Skin Exams in Wasilla & Anchorage, AK

Preventive skin exams and early skin cancer detection.

About Mole Checks & Full-Body Skin Exams

A full-body skin exam is one of the most important preventive visits in dermatology. During the exam, your provider systematically inspects the skin from scalp to feet (including areas you can't easily see yourself), looking for moles, growths, or lesions that should be monitored, biopsied, or treated.

Regular skin checks are especially valuable for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, fair skin, many moles, atypical moles, long-term sun exposure, prior tanning bed use, or a history of significant sunburns. Even patients without obvious risk factors benefit from a baseline exam.

Symptoms & signs to watch for

Common signs that may suggest mole checks & full-body skin exams include:

  • A new mole that appeared after age 30
  • A mole that is changing in size, shape, or color
  • A spot that itches, bleeds, or won't heal
  • Asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, or large diameter (the "ABCDE" warning signs)
  • A mole that looks different from your other moles (an "ugly duckling")
  • A history of significant sun exposure, sunburns, or tanning-bed use

Treatment approach

A full-body skin exam typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. You'll change into a gown and your provider will examine your skin systematically. Suspicious lesions may be photographed for monitoring, sampled with a small skin biopsy, or removed at a separate visit depending on findings.

Treatment options your provider may discuss:

  • Routine baseline and follow-up full-body skin exams
  • Dermatoscopy (skin-surface microscopy) for closer evaluation of moles
  • Photographic monitoring of atypical moles over time
  • In-office skin biopsies for suspicious lesions
  • Coordinated care with surgical or Mohs treatment if skin cancer is found
  • Sun protection education and self-skin-exam coaching

Not every option is appropriate for every patient. Your dermatology provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual evaluation.

When to see a dermatologist

Schedule an exam if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, atypical moles, significant sun exposure, or any specific concerning spot, and consider a baseline full-body exam even without risk factors. Monthly self-skin-checks at home are also recommended.

Available at our Alaska clinics

Care for mole checks & full-body skin exams is offered through Advanced Dermatology of Alaska. Specific procedure availability may vary by clinic. Please call to confirm before scheduling.

Medical disclaimer

This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.