The screening consists of an exam that begins at the scalp and continues to the soles of the feet. Microscopy is used to study the patterns of growth in moles or to examine skin pigmentation.
If you are at higher risk for the possibility of skin cancer then you should be getting a screening annually. If you have had multiple incidents of skin cancer this should be done even more frequently.
You may also be higher risk if you have had three or more sunburns over the course of your life, because each one doubles your chances for melanoma. This is especially true if you have had sunburns with blistering. You may also be at high risk if you have fair skin that is sensitive to sunlight, freckle easily, are a combination of blonde or red hair with blue or green eyes, as well as other possible traits that could put you in this category. Another risk to consider is if you have had a change in your moles such as size or color, or if a mole has become itchy or bleeds.