When it comes to your skin health, one of the most important screenings is one that helps catch problems before they lead to something serious. A total body skin exam (TBSE) is one of those screenings for early detection of skin cancer.
What Does TBSE Stand For?
TBSE stands for total body skin exam — a head-to-toe visual screening performed by a dermatology provider to check your skin for early signs of skin cancer. It’s a quick, non-invasive exam that looks at your skin from the scalp to the soles of your feet, including areas that are hard to see on your own.
What Is a Total Body Skin Exam?
Unfortunately, a big reason why people may delay scheduling a skin exam is uncertainty about what could be found and what to expect.
What’s great about a total body skin exam? It’s quick, straightforward, and heavily focused on being a comforting experience.
Throughout the skin exam, our dermatology provider will review your medical history, discuss any personal or family history of skin cancer, and perform the examination of your skin from head to toe.
Some commonly examined areas include the scalp, face, neck, chest, back, arms, hands, legs, feet, nails, and other areas where skin cancer can develop. If our dermatologist identifies a spot that may require more attention, they will discuss what they found and explain any recommended next steps.
Want a step-by-step look at the appointment itself? Our dermatology team breaks down exactly what to expect during a total body skin exam, from the initial chat to the head-to-toe check.
Who Should Get a Skin Exam? Risk Factors
People think skin cancer screenings are only necessary if they have suspicious marks on their skin, but skin exams can benefit everybody. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Have numerous moles or atypical moles
- Spend a lot of time outdoors
- Experience sunburns frequently
- Have fair skin or light-colored eyes
- Use or have used tanning beds
Some of the list items above may not apply to you, but regular skin exams offer peace of mind and can help provide a foundation for keeping an eye out for changes over time.
If you recognize yourself in even one of the risk factors above, it’s worth scheduling a total body skin exam — it gives your provider a reference point to compare against in future years.
Why Early Detection Matters for Skin Cancer
Not all skin cancer can be easily noticed on your body as it develops and appears in places that may be difficult to see. Some skin cancers cause no pain, itching, or other symptoms initially, but they can become locally destructive or metastasize. That is why dermatologists highly recommend a proactive approach to skin health — and a total body skin exam is exactly that.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, and it affects about one in five Americans. The good news is that once it is detected early, most skin cancers can be treated successfully.
A total body skin exam allows our providers to locate suspicious spots and is very important as skin cancers can vary significantly in appearance. It also may not look like something you research online.
Higher Elevations Increase Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Living in Colorado Increases Your Skin Cancer Risk
Colorado residents face a unique challenge when it comes to skin cancer prevention. The higher the elevation, the more your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases all year long, but especially in the winter months. This exposure can increase your risk of developing skin cancer over time.
If you are a Coloradan who enjoys the outdoors — like golfing, hiking, fishing, or gardening — your skin accumulates sun exposure throughout the years. Regular skin checks can help ensure that any concerning spots or changes are identified as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Total Body Skin Exam Today
At Vanguard Skin Specialists, total body skin exams are considered a standard of care because early detection saves lives.
If it has been longer than a year since your last skin exam, or maybe you see a new spot, now is the right time to schedule an appointment with us.
Learn more about what to expect during your skin exam.
Schedule your appointment for a total body skin exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TBSE stand for?
TBSE stands for total body skin exam. It’s a head-to-toe visual skin cancer screening performed by a dermatology provider, covering your scalp, face, torso, arms, legs, hands, feet, and nails.
Who should get a skin exam?
Skin exams benefit everyone, but they’re especially important if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, many moles or atypical moles, significant sun exposure, frequent sunburns, fair skin, or a history of tanning bed use.
How often should I get a skin exam?
Most people benefit from a skin exam once a year. If you have a history of skin cancer or numerous moles, your provider may recommend more frequent checks.
Does living at high elevation in Colorado raise my skin cancer risk?
Yes — living in Colorado increases your skin cancer risk. The higher the elevation, the more your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases all year long, especially in the winter months. At Colorado’s elevation, the atmosphere is thinner and filters out less UV radiation, so the same time outdoors here delivers a stronger dose than it would at sea level. This exposure can increase your risk of developing skin cancer over time.
Snow makes it worse. Fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays back at your skin, which means winter sports like skiing and snowboarding expose you from above and below at once. And because cold weather doesn’t feel like “sun damage” weather, many Coloradans skip sunscreen in the months they need it most.
If you are a Coloradan who enjoys the outdoors — like golfing, hiking, fishing, skiing, or gardening — your skin accumulates sun exposure throughout the years. Regular skin checks can help ensure that any concerning spots or changes are identified as soon as possible, before a small problem becomes a serious one.
