Need a skin check? Book in today with one of our specialists.
Why do I need a skin check?
If you live in Australia there is a 2 in 3 chance that you will develop skin cancer. A skin check is a check-up for early signs of skin cancer before you notice any changes. General practitioners with experience and training in detecting theses early changes, will examine all or parts or your skin you wish to be checked.
What should I expect?
Your thorough skin check will take around 20-30 minutes.
Firstly your doctor will take a history to discuss your risks and relevant issues. This will help determine which spots you are worried about, your risks of skin cancer and frequency of skin checks.
Following this your doctor will examine your skin.
- For a full body examination you will be asked to undress to your underwear and will be provided with a gown.
- You can ask for a chaperone to be present if this will make you feel more comfortable.
- The doctor will examine all areas of your skin looking for any unusual spots.
- The doctor will use magnification and illumination to closely examine suspicious spots.
- We do not routinely examine the genital areas as skin cancer is rare in these areas, if you have concerns though we are happy to examine these areas on request.
- The doctor may also want to take some digital photos for monitoring of suspicious lesions.
Following your skin check
Your doctor will advise any further treatments, be that:
- Follow-up: Return for review of suspicious lesions in 1-3 months for assessment of progression and risk.
- Immediate treatment: Some small lesions maybe able to be treated on the day with cryotherapy.
- Follow-up appointment for further procedures: Suspicious lesions may require a biopsy or removal to assess microscopically for diagnosis and further management.