Living in Nevada or Arizona means enjoying sunshine year-round — but it also means your skin faces some of the highest UV exposure in the country. Over time, that exposure adds up, quietly increasing your risk of skin cancer long before any visible signs appear.

At Thomas Dermatology, our dermatology team provides comprehensive full-body skin cancer checks designed to catch potential problems early, when they’re easiest to treat. If you’ve never had a full-body skin exam before — or it’s simply been a while — here’s exactly what to expect and why it’s one of the most important appointments you can schedule.

Why Skin Cancer Screenings Matter

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The three most common types are:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

When caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. Left undetected, certain types — particularly melanoma — can spread and become far more serious.

For people living in high-sun regions like Las Vegas, Henderson, and the surrounding desert communities, regular screenings are especially important:

• UV exposure is elevated year-round
• Outdoor lifestyles increase cumulative sun damage
• Skin damage accumulates over decades, often without visible symptoms
• Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes

What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Cancer Check

Many patients feel nervous before their first skin exam. The reality is that the process is straightforward, quick, and completely painless.

1. Medical History Review

Your appointment begins with a brief conversation about your health background. Your dermatologist may ask about:

• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Past sunburns or tanning bed use
• Any moles or spots you’ve noticed changing
• Current medications or existing skin conditions

This helps your provider understand your individual risk level before the exam begins.

2. Full-Body Skin Examination

Next, your dermatologist performs a head-to-toe visual examination of your skin, checking:

• Scalp and hairline
• Face and ears
• Neck and chest
• Back and shoulders
• Arms and hands, including between the fingers
• Legs and feet, including the soles and between the toes
• Areas that rarely see sun

The exam typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your dermatologist is trained to spot subtle changes that may be invisible to the untrained eye.

3. Dermatoscope Examination

Dermatologists frequently use a handheld device called a dermatoscope during the exam. This specialized tool magnifies the skin and reveals patterns, colors, and structures not visible to the naked eye — helping distinguish harmless moles from lesions that warrant a closer look.

4. Identifying Suspicious Spots

Your dermatologist uses the ABCDE rule to evaluate any suspicious moles or growths:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t mirror the other
• B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
• C – Color: Multiple shades of brown, black, red, or white within the same lesion
• D – Diameter: Larger than approximately 6 mm — about the size of a pencil eraser
• E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or sensation over time

If a spot meets one or more of these criteria, your dermatologist may recommend further evaluation.

5. Skin Biopsy (If Needed)

If a suspicious lesion is identified, a small skin biopsy may be performed during the same visit. The process involves:

• Numbing the area with a local anesthetic
• Removing a small tissue sample
• Sending it to a pathology lab for analysis

At Thomas Dermatology, our in-house dermatopathology services allow biopsy samples to be processed efficiently, so patients receive results as quickly as possible. Most biopsies are brief and leave minimal scarring.

How Often Should You Get a Skin Cancer Screening?

The right screening schedule depends on your personal risk factors.

Average risk

Most adults should have a full-body skin exam once a year.

Higher risk

More frequent screenings — as often as every six months — may be recommended if you:

• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have many moles or atypical moles
• Have fair skin or a history of burning easily
• Spend significant time outdoors
• Live in a high-UV region like Nevada or Arizona

Your dermatologist will help determine the schedule that’s right for you.

Signs You Should Schedule a Skin Check Soon

Even if you recently had an exam, don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment if you notice:

• A new mole or spot that appeared recently
• A mole changing in size, shape, or color
• A sore that won’t heal
• A spot that bleeds, crusts, or oozes
• Persistent itching or irritation in one area

These changes don’t always indicate cancer — but they should always be evaluated promptly by a dermatologist.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips for Desert Climates

Prevention is just as important as early detection. In Nevada and Arizona, where UV exposure is intense and consistent year-round, these habits can meaningfully reduce your long-term risk:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher)
• Reapply every two hours when outdoors
• Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Avoid tanning beds entirely
• Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM–2 PM)

Small, consistent habits compound over time. The skin you protect today is the skin that stays healthier for decades.

Trusted Skin Cancer Care at Thomas Dermatology

For more than 30 years, Thomas Dermatology has provided comprehensive dermatologic care to patients throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and surrounding communities in Nevada and Arizona. Our experienced team offers:

• Full-body skin cancer screenings
• Advanced diagnostic tools including in-office dermatoscopy
• In-house dermatopathology for faster biopsy results
• Expert Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer treatment

Our goal is simple: find concerns early, provide clear answers, and deliver the most effective care available. If you live in a high-sun region like Nevada or Arizona, a full-body skin cancer check is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health.

If it has been more than a year since your last skin exam — or you’ve never had one — schedule your screening with Thomas Dermatology today. Early detection saves lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a full-body skin cancer screening take?

Most full-body skin exams take 10 to 20 minutes. If your dermatologist identifies lesions that need a closer look or a biopsy, the appointment may run a bit longer.

Does a full-body skin exam hurt?

No. The visual examination is completely painless. If a biopsy is needed, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic first, so discomfort is minimal.

How often should I get a skin cancer check?

Once a year is the standard recommendation for most adults. If you have a history of skin cancer, many moles, fair skin, or significant sun exposure history, your dermatologist may recommend screening every six months.

What should I do to prepare for a skin cancer screening?

Remove nail polish before your appointment so the dermatologist can check the skin under your nails. Avoid heavy makeup if possible. Wear your hair down so the scalp can be examined easily. You may be asked to change into a gown for the exam.

What happens if a suspicious spot is found?

If your dermatologist identifies a concerning lesion, they may perform a biopsy during the same visit. A small tissue sample is removed under local anesthesia and sent to a pathology lab. At Thomas Dermatology, our in-house dermatopathology services help ensure you receive results as quickly as possible.