Skin Cancer Screenings

The Importance of Total Body Skin Exams (TBSE): Your Best Defense Against Skin Cancer

A skin cancer screening, also known as a Total Body Skin Exam (TBSE), is a vital and comprehensive visual assessment of your entire skin surface, including areas not typically exposed to the sun. This thorough exam is designed to detect early signs of skin cancer or other skin conditions before they become more serious.

During a TBSE, you’ll be asked to remove your clothing and wear a gown, allowing your dermatologist to systematically examine every part of your skin. This includes often-overlooked areas like the scalp, soles of the feet, and under the nails. The dermatologist will carefully note any moles, lesions, or other abnormalities. If any suspicious areas are detected, further evaluation or a biopsy may be recommended to ensure accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Why TBSEs Are Essential for Your Skin Health

Regular TBSEs are crucial because early detection is the key to successful treatment of skin cancer. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, can be deadly if not caught early. A TBSE not only helps identify potential cancers at their most treatable stage but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your skin is being closely monitored by an expert.

At Cumberland Skin, we emphasize the importance of routine TBSEs as part of your overall healthcare. By scheduling regular skin exams, you’re taking a proactive step in protecting your skin and your health. Don’t wait until you notice a problem—make TBSEs a regular part of your self-care routine.

Schedule your Total Body Skin Exam at Cumberland Skin today and take the first step toward safeguarding your skin’s health and catching any issues early. Your skin deserves the best care, and we’re here to provide it.

At Cumberland Skin, we perform Total Body Skin Exams (TBSEs) every day. They are a crucial part of how we find potential skin cancer lesions, and keep our patients safe. If you’re interested in learning more about skin cancer, including the most common types, its warning signs and symptoms, and how we treat skin cancer here in Tennessee, schedule a Total Body Skin Exam with one of our skin experts today!

If you are feeling apprehensive about a TBSE for a loved one or yourself, you are not alone. The combination of being disrobed for a full-body inspection and physical contact can make some patients feel more vulnerable than they would during other types of medical exams. 

Taking the time to read up on all that is involved in your first full body skin exam and what to expect is a smart step toward managing the experience.

What a Dermatologist Is Looking For During a Full Body Exam

The goal of a TBSE is to check the entire skin—the body’s largest organ—for any signs of skin cancer. This coverage includes the scalp, face, neck, ears, arms, legs, feet, toes, and torso. Special attention will be given to any skin lesions, moles, freckles, and birthmarks.

The dermatologist skin check will document the size, shape, color, and borders of each  skin mark. Because detecting changes over time is key to identifying potential skin cancer, annual TBSEs allow for a detailed record to compare from year to year. 

If anything appears suspicious, your dermatologist may recommend monitoring the area, scheduling follow-up visits, or performing additional testing. Your dermatologist will discuss any findings with you, as well as explain next steps.

Is a Full Body Skin Exam Painful Or Embarrassing?

At Pinnacle Dermatology, we understand that some patients can feel apprehensive or vulnerable, especially if it’s their first time to receive a full body skin exam. TBSEs are a gentle visual inspection of the body with no physical pain to be expected from the exam itself. However, if you have issues such as chronic pain or tender spots, please let us know so that we can better accommodate you.

Our providers at Pinnacle Dermatology are professionally trained and knowledgeable. We encourage you to share your personal preferences, such as receiving a total full body skin exam from a female dermatologist. Our care team aims to make your experience as comfortable as possible, so please voice any questions, concerns or feelings of apprehension with our care team.

With the skin being the body’s largest organ, it is important to allow sufficient time for your first and future TBSEs. In addition to timely arrival and expecting to stay the full duration, here are other tips on how to prepare for a full body skin exam, particularly when it is your first time:

• Wash your entire body.
• Wear clothing that is easy to remove.
• Wear shoes that are easy to slip off, and consider wearing shoes without socks.
• Consider skipping the application of makeup.
• Have your complete medical history ready, asking your blood relatives about any family history of cancer.
• Make a list of questions and concerns to discuss with the dermatologist.
• Share notes or photos of any concerning skin marks or changes that you have noticed.

While the team at Pinnacle Dermatology always hopes to give patients the “all clear,” there are occasions when something suspicious is found. If so, you can expect our dermatology provider to clearly communicate next steps which may include self-monitoring, follow-up appointments, testing, and potential future treatments. 

That aside, after your TBSE you can expect to resume normal activities and plan to come back for a dermatologist skin check next year.

The Importance of Skin Cancer Prevention

When it comes to skin cancer prevention, managing your skin’s exposure to sunlight is first and foremost. The best way to protect your skin from damaging sun exposure is to:

• Make a habit of regular sunscreen use: Choose dermatologist recommended sun protection products such as broad spectrum sunblock of 30 SPF. Apply whenever you’re outdoors, even during cloudy or winter days. Those whose professions or lifestyle involve extended daytime exposure should reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or profuse sweating.
• Protective clothing and accessories: Skin coverage with clothing and hats are a big help when it comes to sun protection. Wide brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, full coverage tops and pants, and even rash guards work well to manage exposure.
• Take shelter: Remaining indoors or in the shade—especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV rays are strongest—is very effective for skin protection.

Of course, the other core component of skin cancer prevention is to keep up with your skin cancer screening schedule and monitor for changes to the skin as directed by your dermatology provider.