Theoretically, TBSEs that include genital examination would yield higher and earlier detection rates of neoplasms as well as inflammatory dermatoses.29-32 Thus, there is real value in diagnosing ailments of the genital skin, and dermatologists are well prepared to manage these conditions. Consistently incorporating a genital examination within the TBSE is the first step.
An Approach to the Genital Skin Examination
As with the TBSE, no standardized protocol for the genital skin examination exists, and there is no consensus for how best to perform this evaluation. Ideally, both male and female patients should remove all clothing, including undergarments, though one study found patients preferred to keep undergarments on during the genital examination.10,33,34
In general, adult female genital anatomy is best viewed with the patient in the supine position.6,33,35 There is no clear agreement on the use of stirrups, and the decision to use these may be left to the discretion of the patient. One randomized clinical trial found that women undergoing routine gynecologic examination without stirrups reported less physical discomfort and had a reduced sense of vulnerability than women examined in stirrups.36 During the female genital examination, the head of the bed ideally should be positioned at a 30° to 45° angle to allow the provider to maintain eye contact and face-to-face communication with the patient.33 This positioning also facilitates the use of a handheld mirror to instruct patients on techniques for medication application as well as to point out sites of disease.
For adult males, the genital examination can be performed with the patient standing facing a seated examiner.35 The patient’s gown should be raised to the level of the umbilicus to expose the entire genital region. Good lighting is essential. These recommendations apply mainly to adults, but helpful tips on how to approach evaluating prepubertal children in the dermatology clinic are available.37
The presence of a chaperone also is optional for maximizing patient comfort but also may be helpful for providing medicolegal protection for the provider. It always should be offered regardless of patient gender. A dermatology study found that when patients were examined by a same-gender physician, women and men were more comfortable without a chaperone than with a chaperone, and patients generally preferred fewer bodies in the room during sensitive examinations.9
Educating Patients About the TBSE
The most helpful recommendation for successfully incorporating and performing the genital skin examination as part of the TBSE appears to be patient education. In a randomized double-arm study, patients who received pre-education consisting of written information explaining the need for a TBSE were less likely to be concerned about a genital examination compared to patients who received no information.38 Discussing that skin diseases, including melanoma, can arise in all areas of the body including the genital skin and encouraging patients to perform genital self-examinations is critical.35 In the age of the electronic health record and virtual communication, disseminating this information has become even easier.39 It may be beneficial to explore patients’ TBSE expectations at the outset through these varied avenues to help establish a trusted physician-patient relationship.40
Final Thoughts
Dermatologists should consistently offer a genital examination to all patients who present for a routine TBSE. Patients should be provided with adequate education to assess their comfort level for the skin examination. If a patient declines this examination, the dermatologist should ensure that another physician—be it a gynecologist, primary care provider, or other specialist—is routinely examining the area.6,7