A detailed method of patient skin self examination for the dysplastic naevus syndrome using full-scale colour total body photographs is described. The patient and the physician share the same set of photographs to monitor the syndrome. Any new lesions or changing lesions are reported by the patient to the physician for further evaluation. This method has an advantage over previous recommendations because patient use of the photographs provides an objective visual baseline for comparison. Overall costs of caring for patients with the dysplastic naevus syndrome through this method are likely to decrease since biopsies can be limited to new lesions or lesions demonstrating a changing pattern.