Skin malignancy check is a form of visual exam that checks the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other marks. They are checked for a change in colour, shape, size and texture. This test helps, as the examiner would be able to find the unusual marks, which could be signs of cancer. The test helps in finding cancer in the early stages, thus help in saving a life.  

It would help if you understood that the test is used to look for signs of cancer, but not diagnosing. If the marks seem to be a concern, the skin expert would suggest other tests, as part of a skin cancer investigation. At times, the condition could be some infection, which is less life-threatening than cancer. 

People who would need this type of skin checkup, at least once in a few years are:

Light skin tone
Blond or red hair
Blue or green eyes (Light hued eyes)
Skin that burns or freckles easily
Family history of skin cancer
A large number of moles
Frequent exposure to the sun
History of sunburns

Seeking the help of a health expert could be helpful, as the symptoms could be confusing in most cases. Many people assume a mole as skin cancer and panic. The health experts would conduct detailed tests before conforming. Such measures would help in reducing anxiety and provide peace of mind. 

It would help if you understood that detection is the first step towards a cure. If you find something different on your skin, and you fall in one of the categories as mentioned earlier, then visiting a health expert could be the best thing that you could do for yourself. 

A few health experts would also suggest self-examination, once in two to three weeks. While examining you need to check for 

Asymmetry: Signs of skin cancer would have asymmetric borders, while the benign moles would be symmetric
Irregular border: Melanoma has an irregular or notched edge, while a normal mole would not be so. 
Multiple colours: Melanomas generally have various shades of black and brown, while a normal mole would be in one shade only
Diameter: Benign moles are usually 6m or smaller, while the cancer signs could be larger than 6 mm

If you find a frequent change in shape, size, and colour, then it is time for you to visit the health expert.