Early Detection
How to Do a Self-Exam

Before you conduct a skin self-examination, become familiar with the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin, so you will be able to detect any changes. Be aware that men most often develop melanoma on the trunk, women on the legs or arms.

The down-and-back skin check is a systematic way to perform the exam. Starting at the top of your head, move down the front of your body, then up the back. You will need a full-length mirror, a hand-held mirror, and a blow dryer. If possible, ask a relative or friend to help you examine hard-to-see areas, such as your scalp, back, and the back of your thighs.

  Down the front
  Stand facing a full-length mirror.
   
  1. Using a blow dryer or comb to move aside your hair, check your scalp.
  2. Check your face (including ears), neck, chest, and belly. Look under the breasts and any rolls of flesh.
  3. Check both sides of your arms and the tops and palms of your hands. Look between your fingers and at your nail beds.
  Sit down.
   
  1. Check the front of your thighs, shins, and tops of your feet, including nails.
  2. Check the bottom of your feet and between your toes.
 
  Up the back
  Stand with your back to the mirror.
   
  1. Check your calves.
  2. Use the hand mirror to check the backs of your thighs – first one leg, then the other – and examine your genitals.
  3. Use the hand mirror with the full-length mirror to check the buttocks, lower back, upper back, back of shoulders, and the back of the neck.

See When to Contact Your Doctor.