Skin Cancer Screenings & Skin Checks

At her Upper East Side dermatology practice, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marie V. Hayag provides comprehensive skin cancer screenings focused on early detection, prevention, and long-term skin health.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but when detected early it is highly treatable. Dermatologic skin exams allow physicians to evaluate moles, monitor changes in the skin, and identify suspicious lesions before they progress.

At Marie Hayag, MD, skin cancer screenings are performed through a meticulous physician-led evaluation designed to assess the skin from head to toe. This proactive approach supports early diagnosis, accurate monitoring of moles, and timely treatment when necessary.

Skin cancer screenings are preventive dermatologic evaluations designed to detect melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers at their earliest stages. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.

During a professional skin exam, the dermatologist carefully evaluates the entire skin surface to identify suspicious moles, abnormal pigmentation, or lesions that may require further examination.

Because many early skin cancers develop gradually and may not cause symptoms, dermatologic screenings allow physicians to detect subtle changes that patients may not notice during self-examinations.

Routine skin checks are an important part of preventive healthcare, particularly for individuals with risk factors for skin cancer.

Skin cancer develops when skin cells sustain DNA damage, most commonly from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Over time, repeated sun exposure can cause abnormal cell growth that leads to cancer.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including:

• Chronic sun exposure
• History of sunburns
• Tanning bed use
• Fair skin or light eye color
• Numerous or atypical moles
• Family history of skin cancer
• Personal history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system

Dermatologic research estimates that approximately 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, making early detection through routine skin checks an important component of preventive healthcare.

Even individuals without obvious risk factors may develop skin cancer, which is why dermatologists often recommend routine skin exams for adults.

Certain changes in the skin may indicate the need for professional evaluation. Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to identify potential warning signs of melanoma and other suspicious lesions.

Patients should schedule a skin examination if they notice:

• Moles that change in size, shape, or color
• Irregular or uneven borders
• Multiple colors within a single mole
• Lesions that itch, bleed, or do not heal
• New or rapidly changing spots on the skin

Early evaluation of suspicious skin changes allows dermatologists to diagnose potential skin cancers at the earliest and most treatable stages.

A full-body skin exam is a comprehensive dermatologic evaluation of the skin, scalp, nails, and other visible areas to identify suspicious lesions, abnormal moles, or early signs of skin cancer.

• Detects melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers
• Identifies new or changing moles
• Monitors existing lesions over time
• Supports early diagnosis of abnormal skin growths

Full-body skin cancer screenings are recommended for individuals who:

• Have numerous or atypical moles
• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have experienced significant sun exposure
• Have fair skin or a history of sunburn
• Notice new or changing skin lesions

Regular skin exams are also recommended for adults who want to maintain proactive skin health and monitor potential risk factors.

You may benefit from routine skin cancer screenings if you:

• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have many moles or unusual-appearing moles
• Spend significant time in the sun
• Have experienced severe sunburns
• Notice new or changing spots on the skin
• Have lesions that itch, bleed, or do not heal

Most dermatologists recommend annual full-body skin exams for adults, though individuals with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings.

A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist can help determine the appropriate screening schedule based on individual risk.

During a skin cancer screening at Marie Hayag, MD, Dr. Hayag performs a comprehensive head-to-toe examination of the skin.

This evaluation may include:

• Visual assessment of moles and skin lesions
• Dermatoscopic examination when appropriate
• Identification of suspicious or abnormal areas
• Documentation of mole patterns for ongoing monitoring

If a lesion appears concerning, a skin biopsy may be recommended to determine whether abnormal or cancerous cells are present.

Skin cancer screenings are non-invasive, painless, and typically completed during a routine dermatology visit.

The cost of skin cancer screenings may vary depending on insurance coverage and whether additional diagnostic procedures, such as biopsies, are required.

Many medically necessary skin exams are covered by insurance when performed by a dermatologist.

During your visit to Marie Hayag, MD, the care team will review your insurance information and discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs associated with your evaluation.

Early skin cancer detection requires clinical expertise and careful dermatologic evaluation.

At Marie Hayag, MD, patients benefit from:

• Care from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marie V. Hayag
• Thorough physician-led full-body skin examinations
• Dermatoscopic evaluation of moles and lesions
• Accurate monitoring of mole patterns and skin changes
• Prompt diagnostic biopsy when necessary
• Personalized screening recommendations based on risk factors

This prevention-focused approach allows for earlier diagnosis, timely intervention, and long-term skin health monitoring.

Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Routine dermatologic screenings help identify suspicious lesions before they progress and ensure that changes in the skin are evaluated by a trained medical professional.

At Marie Hayag, MD, skin cancer screenings begin with a comprehensive physician-led evaluation designed to assess individual risk factors and detect early signs of skin cancer.

Schedule your consultation today to receive a professional skin exam focused on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and long-term skin health.