- posted: Jun. 18, 2025
At Jacksonville Dermatology Associates, we emphasize one simple truth: early detection saves lives. In Florida’s sunny climate, where outdoor activities are a year-round norm, your skin is regularly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. While enjoying the sunshine is part of the Jacksonville lifestyle, it also makes regular mole checks even more essential.
What Are Mole Checks?
A mole check is a clinical skin exam that focuses on evaluating moles, freckles, and other skin lesions for any signs of change or concern. These checks are performed by board-certified dermatologists—like Dr. Tricia R. Andrews-Jenkins, Dr. Rebekah Wilson, and Dr. Chelsy Marty—to detect early signs of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
While many moles are completely harmless, some can develop into skin cancer. When detected early, most skin cancers can be successfully treated. That’s why staying proactive is so important.
Why They Matter More Than You Think
Skin cancer doesn’t always arrive with warning bells. In fact, the earliest changes can be subtle—a shift in color, a slightly irregular border, or a mole that wasn’t there before. These changes are easy to miss without a trained eye.
Regular mole checks help ensure that:
- Suspicious spots are caught before they progress
- New moles are monitored and documented over time
- Any changes in shape, color, size, or texture are addressed promptly
Think of mole checks as routine maintenance—just like going to the dentist or scheduling your annual physical. The goal is prevention, not panic.
Who Should Get Checked?
Everyone can benefit from annual skin exams, but certain individuals may be at higher risk and should be monitored more closely:
- People with a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Those with fair skin, light eyes, or red/blonde hair
- Individuals with many moles or atypical (unusual) moles
- Anyone who has experienced frequent sunburns, especially in childhood
- People who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate sun protection
If you fall into any of these categories—or if you're simply unsure—it’s worth booking a checkup.
What to Expect During a Visit
A full-body skin exam at Jacksonville Dermatology Associates is thorough but straightforward. You’ll be asked about any spots that concern you, and our dermatologists will examine your skin from head to toe using specialized lighting and magnification. If anything suspicious is found, we may take a biopsy for further evaluation.
The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and no preparation is needed—just come with clean skin and an open mind.
Protect Your Health With a Simple Step
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer—especially when caught early. A regular mole check is a small step that can have a major impact.
Call Jacksonville Dermatology Associates at (904) 279-8202 to schedule your skin exam with Dr. Tricia R. Andrews-Jenkins, Dr. Rebekah Wilson, or Dr. Chelsy Marty. Your future self will thank you.
- posted: Jun. 18, 2025
At Jacksonville Dermatology Associates, we emphasize one simple truth: early detection saves lives. In Florida’s sunny climate, where outdoor activities are a year-round norm, your skin is regularly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. While enjoying the sunshine is part of the Jacksonville lifestyle, it also makes regular mole checks even more essential.
What Are Mole Checks?
A mole check is a clinical skin exam that focuses on evaluating moles, freckles, and other skin lesions for any signs of change or concern. These checks are performed by board-certified dermatologists—like Dr. Tricia R. Andrews-Jenkins, Dr. Rebekah Wilson, and Dr. Chelsy Marty—to detect early signs of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
While many moles are completely harmless, some can develop into skin cancer. When detected early, most skin cancers can be successfully treated. That’s why staying proactive is so important.
Why They Matter More Than You Think
Skin cancer doesn’t always arrive with warning bells. In fact, the earliest changes can be subtle—a shift in color, a slightly irregular border, or a mole that wasn’t there before. These changes are easy to miss without a trained eye.
Regular mole checks help ensure that:
- Suspicious spots are caught before they progress
- New moles are monitored and documented over time
- Any changes in shape, color, size, or texture are addressed promptly
Think of mole checks as routine maintenance—just like going to the dentist or scheduling your annual physical. The goal is prevention, not panic.
Who Should Get Checked?
Everyone can benefit from annual skin exams, but certain individuals may be at higher risk and should be monitored more closely:
- People with a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Those with fair skin, light eyes, or red/blonde hair
- Individuals with many moles or atypical (unusual) moles
- Anyone who has experienced frequent sunburns, especially in childhood
- People who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate sun protection
If you fall into any of these categories—or if you're simply unsure—it’s worth booking a checkup.
What to Expect During a Visit
A full-body skin exam at Jacksonville Dermatology Associates is thorough but straightforward. You’ll be asked about any spots that concern you, and our dermatologists will examine your skin from head to toe using specialized lighting and magnification. If anything suspicious is found, we may take a biopsy for further evaluation.
The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and no preparation is needed—just come with clean skin and an open mind.
Protect Your Health With a Simple Step
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer—especially when caught early. A regular mole check is a small step that can have a major impact.
Call Jacksonville Dermatology Associates at (904) 279-8202 to schedule your skin exam with Dr. Tricia R. Andrews-Jenkins, Dr. Rebekah Wilson, or Dr. Chelsy Marty. Your future self will thank you.
