How often should I get a skin cancer screening?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual full-body skin exams for most adults, and more frequent visits for people with higher risk factors. You're at higher risk if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, a history of significant sun exposure or indoor tanning, fair skin that burns easily, or a weakened immune system. Between annual visits, you should do monthly self-exams at home.

What does a skin cancer screening involve?

A full-body skin exam is a thorough, visual inspection of your skin from head to toe, including the scalp, between toes, and under fingernails. The dermatologist will look for suspicious moles, lesions, or spots using dermoscopy (a handheld magnifying instrument with a light). The exam typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. If anything looks concerning, a biopsy may be recommended at the same visit or scheduled shortly after.

What are the warning signs of skin cancer?

The ABCDE rule is the standard guide: Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other), Border irregularity (ragged or uneven edges), Color variation (multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue), Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser), and Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, or a new symptom like bleeding or itching). Basal cell carcinoma can appear as a pearly bump or a pinkish patch. When in doubt, have it checked.

What happens if a suspicious spot is found during screening?

If the dermatologist finds a spot that needs closer evaluation, they'll typically recommend a skin biopsy. This involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic and removing a small sample of tissue for lab analysis. The procedure takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort. Results usually come back within 1 to 2 weeks. If the biopsy confirms skin cancer, your dermatologist will discuss the appropriate treatment, which depends on the type and stage.

Can skin cancer be prevented?

You can significantly reduce your risk. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily, reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, seek shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wear protective clothing and hats, and avoid indoor tanning completely. Regular skin exams let you catch any changes early, when skin cancers are most treatable. Sun protection habits are effective at any age and make a real difference over time.

I noticed a mole that is changing. How soon can I be seen?

Changing moles need timely evaluation. Call (833) 635-2566 and we will book a same-month visit. We use the ABCDE rule and a dermatoscope exam to decide whether a biopsy is needed.

Do you perform Mohs surgery?

We perform full-body exams, dermoscopy, in-office biopsies, and excisions, and we coordinate Mohs micrographic surgery with a Mohs specialist when your case calls for it, so your care stays connected from screening to treatment.

→ All Services

Medical Dermatology

Detect skin cancer early and start trusted treatment

Catch problems early with a thorough, head-to-toe exam, and have suspicious spots checked, biopsied, and removed in-office, comfortably. If a mole is changing, you will be seen and evaluated, not put on a long waitlist.

Schedule Your Visit Call 833-635-2566

"Doctor is so sweet and gentle ! She explained to me everything step by step of the process. I got a mole removed and it was painless. In addition she pointed out the skin on my face and recommended for me prescription creams. So helpful and generous I would recommend her to everything"

michelle petrovski · Google Review

On This Page

Quick Facts

At a Glance

Service

Full-body skin cancer screening with targeted biopsy when needed

Conditions Screened

Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and pre-cancers

Provider

Dr. David Biro, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist

Procedure

Total body skin exam with dermoscopy, biopsy if a lesion looks suspicious

Follow-Up

Pathology results within days, treatment plan if a positive finding

When to Seek Care

New or changing mole, non-healing sore, or annual exam (high-risk patients)

Find Your Path

Is Skin Cancer Testing a Match for Your Concern?

Match your skin concern to the right screening pathway

I found a new mole and it's changingChanging moles need timely evaluation. The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) flags features that warrant a dermatoscope exam and possible biopsy.

I have a sore that won't heal on my faceNon-healing skin sores can be early basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment is straightforward when caught early; book a same-month visit.

I've had a lot of sun exposure, should I get screenedYes. Cumulative UV exposure, fair skin, freckling, and blistering sunburns all raise risk. Baseline + annual screening becomes the standard for high-exposure patients.

My family has a history of melanomaFamily history meaningfully raises melanoma risk. Earlier and more frequent screenings (often annual, sometimes biannual) are appropriate.

I'm not sure how often I should be checkedAverage-risk adults benefit from a baseline exam in their 30s and annual checks. High-risk patients (family history, many moles, prior cancer) need more frequent visits.

What happens if a spot looks suspiciousA small shave or punch biopsy is performed in-office. Pathology returns within days, and treatment (excision, Mohs referral, topical) is planned based on the result.

This Concern Match is informational, not medical advice. Skin lesion appearance, risk factors, and screening needs vary by individual. Schedule a dermatology consultation for evaluation and a personalized plan.

Skin Cancer Testing

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and early detection can greatly improve recovery chances. At kalon Dermatology, we offer skin cancer testing for Brooklyn and Staten Island residents, as well as individuals from other areas. Our skilled providers, located in Staten Island and the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, perform thorough evaluations and take skin biopsies of abnormal growths to confirm or rule out skin cancer. Call the office or schedule your skin cancer testing online today.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the skin cells. It occurs when there’s a rapid growth of abnormal cells, creating a lesion. Anyone can get skin cancer.

Some of the common types of skin cancer include:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Melanoma

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or a tanning lamp is the most common cause of skin cancer. Finding and treating skin cancer during the early stages improves your chances of a full recovery.

kalon Dermatology offers skin cancer testing to help you stay on top of your skin health. We also provide services for skin infection s in the same places.

What is skin cancer testing?

Skin cancer testing is conducted with a skin biopsy. For the test, your provider at kalon Dermatology removes an abnormal lesion from your skin and sends it to the pathology lab for evaluation to confirm or rule out cancer.

Your provider first does a skin cancer screening exam to determine if you need testing. If you need skin cancer testing, they give instructions on how to prepare for the test, such as stopping any medication that may alter the way the skin looks under the microscope.

What happens during skin cancer testing?

Your provider reviews the details of your skin cancer testing at your initial visit. They may remove the abnormal growth using various techniques, such as:

Shave biopsy

For a shave biopsy , your provider uses a surgical knife to shave off a layer of the growth.

Punch biopsy

They use a special tool for a punch biopsy, removing a circular piece of your skin for testing.

Excision

For an excision, your provider removes the growth and some of the healthy surrounding skin with a scalpel.

The providers at kalon Dermatology administer a local anesthetic for skin cancer testing to minimize discomfort.

What happens after skin cancer testing?

Your provider cleans and covers your wound and provides at-home care instructions. They also explain when you might expect results from your skin cancer testing.

Once your provider at kalon Dermatology has the results, they talk to you about the next steps, which may include additional procedures to remove any cancerous tissue or other cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

Skin cancer testing protects your health and wellness. Call kalon Dermatology or schedule your test online today.

If a biopsy confirms skin cancer, we plan treatment around the type and location. Straightforward cancers are often removed in-office by excision. For cancers on the face or in higher-risk areas that call for Mohs micrographic surgery, we coordinate that surgery with a Mohs specialist, so you stay guided from screening through removal.

Patient Reviews

What Our Patients Say

Excellent doctor, excellent stuff. I recommend this office to my relatives and friends.

Alexander S.

Google Review

I’ve been to multiple Dermatology offices to help me with my skin concern. There is no one else I’d trust more now that I’ve been to Kalon Dermatology. The staff is polite and caring. The team took the time to go over all my treatment options and I’ve finally found the help I needed. I highly recommend this Dermatology office and will be recommending and returning with my family.

Gabi D.

Google Review

Love the friendly staff and great doctors here. Highly recommend 10/10 great results

Laura C.

Google Review

Danny is a very good doctor. Very knowledgeable, caring and attentive.

crispy P.

Google Review

Loved my experience here. Such knowledgeable providers and have a good bed side manner. The office is beautiful and most importantly very clean.

Nelly K.

Google Review

This place is absolutely amazing! From the staff, to the reception area to the treatments. I see Danny bronshtein for my injections and my skincare needs. He’s very thorough and attentive and sweet to boot. Can’t recommend them enough!

elle G.

Google Review

Read All Reviews

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual full-body skin exams for most adults, and more frequent visits for people with higher risk factors. You're at higher risk if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, a history of significant sun exposure or indoor tanning, fair skin that burns easily, or a weakened immune system. Between annual visits, you should do monthly self-exams at home.
: A full-body skin exam is a thorough, visual inspection of your skin from head to toe, including the scalp, between toes, and under fingernails. The dermatologist will look for suspicious moles, lesions, or spots using dermoscopy (a handheld magnifying instrument with a light). The exam typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. If anything looks concerning, a biopsy may be recommended at the same visit or scheduled shortly after.
: The ABCDE rule is the standard guide: Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other), Border irregularity (ragged or uneven edges), Color variation (multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue), Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser), and Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, or a new symptom like bleeding or itching). Basal cell carcinoma can appear as a pearly bump or a pinkish patch. When in doubt, have it checked.
: If the dermatologist finds a spot that needs closer evaluation, they'll typically recommend a skin biopsy. This involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic and removing a small sample of tissue for lab analysis. The procedure takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort. Results usually come back within 1 to 2 weeks. If the biopsy confirms skin cancer, your dermatologist will discuss the appropriate treatment, which depends on the type and stage.
: You can significantly reduce your risk. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily, reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, seek shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wear protective clothing and hats, and avoid indoor tanning completely. Regular skin exams let you catch any changes early, when skin cancers are most treatable. Sun protection habits are effective at any age and make a real difference over time.
: Changing moles need timely evaluation. Call (833) 635-2566 and we will book a same-month visit. We use the ABCDE rule and a dermatoscope exam to decide whether a biopsy is needed.
: We perform full-body exams, dermoscopy, in-office biopsies, and excisions, and we coordinate Mohs micrographic surgery with a Mohs specialist when your case calls for it, so your care stays connected from screening to treatment.

Expertise You Can Trust

Meet Our Expert Team

More than 75 years of combined dermatology and medical experience. Click any provider to read their background.

View All Providers

Reviewed by David Biro, MD, PhD

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.

Start Here

Reveal Your Best Self

Book your consultation today and learn how our experienced team can support your skin care goals.

Schedule Your Visit Call 833-635-2566