Your skin check

Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer (including melanoma) in the world, and early detection helps save lives.

What happens during a Skin Cancer Check?

If this is your first consultation with us you will be asked about your general health. This will include questions about previous medical conditions, allergies and regular medications and whether you know of any medical conditions any of your family members have that may be relevant to your own health.

We will ask you about your personal history of skin cancer, your family history of melanoma skin cancer, and other events in your past history (like blistering sunburns or solarium usage) that will help us ascertain your risk of developing skin cancer.

We utilise a number of tools to help predict skin cancer risk. You can find some of these online here

The Examination

The doctor will then examine your skin. You will be asked to undress leaving your underwear on. The examination will include all of your skin.  Please inform the doctor if you do not wish the skin covered by your underwear to be examined.

The doctor will use a dermatoscope (hand-held skin microscope) to examine any spots they are concerned about. This may involve wetting the skin with an alcohol solution or gel. 

Photography

We utilise two different skin imaging systems to help us record and monitor skin lesions. Using serial monitoring of skin lesions can help reduce unnecessary skin excisions and biopsies.

Treatment Plan and Education

Our doctors will discuss their findings with you and provide options for treatment should a suspected skin cancer be identified. We will discuss your skin cancer risk factors, how to minimise these and make recommendations about further skin cancer checks if needed.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There is currently inadequate evidence to support a schedule of skin cancer screening. We encourage our patients to examine their own skin regularly as 70% of melanomas are detected by patients and their family members. High risk patients should have skin checks annually. Patients who have a lot of moles and a past history of melanoma will require more regular examinations. Our doctors will discuss your risk level with you and recommend if and when you should return for another skin check.

  • Skin cancers are very uncommon in children. While we do not routinely perform full body skin checks in children under 18, if you notice a new or changing skin lesion in your child, please book them in for a spot check.

  • Avoid using tanning products in the week leading up to your skin check. The pigment in the product can temporarily change the appearance of your moles and make our examination with the dermatoscope inaccurate. Do not wear makeup to your appointment and if possible, remove nail varnish. Wear clothing that is easy to take on and off. Avoid wearing jewellery, as it will also need to be removed.