What happens during a skin check?
A thorough, respectful examination with a clear plan before you leave.
1. Your history and risk
We discuss previous skin cancers, medical history, family history, sun exposure and any spots that concern you.
We determine your overall risk
2. A Comprehensive Examination
You will usually undress to your underwear so your doctor can check you from head to toe.
Please remove all makeup or fake tan before a skin check.
3. Dermoscopy and a plan
Suspicious or changing lesions are examined with a dermatoscope. We explain monitoring, biopsy &/or followup.
Appointments generally take 15-30 minutes. A sheet can be provided for comfort and privacy.
What appointment should I book?
If we identify a concern
If your doctor identifies a spot that needs closer assessment, we will explain what we have seen, why it matters and the recommended next step.
Monitoring, biopsy and treatment can often be coordinated within the same clinic.
Monitor
Clinical or photographic surveillance when appropriate.
Biopsy
A small sample can be taken and sent to pathology.
Treatment
Many skin cancers can be treated in our clinic, with your results, procedure and followup coordinated by the same team. When specialist or hospital care is more appropriate, we will arrange referral.
Common skin cancers and sun damage
Melanoma
Melanoma may appear as a new spot or an existing spot that changes in size, shape or colour.
It can occur anywhere on the body, including skin that is not regularly exposed to the sun.
Early assessment of changing or unusual spots is important.
Basal Cell
Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common type of skin cancer.
It may appear as a pearly lump, red patch, persistent sore or an area that repeatedly crusts or bleeds.
BCCs often grow slowly but can damage surrounding tissue if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, may appear as a thickened, scaly or tender spot that crusts, bleeds or ulcerates.
Some SCCs can grow quickly and spread, so prompt assessment is important.
Sun-damaged skin
Actinic keratoses are rough or scaly areas caused by accumulated sun exposure.
They are not invasive skin cancers, but some can develop into SCC.
Your skin doctor may recommend treatment, sun protection and ongoing skin surveillance.
These descriptions are a general guide only. A photograph or checklist cannot confirm a diagnosis. If a spot is new, changing, bleeding, sore, not healing or simply looks different from your other spots, arrange a medical assessment.
Advanced Surveillance
with FotoFinder
FotoFinder total body photography creates a detailed photographic record of your skin.
Combined with digital dermoscopy, it helps our doctors identify and monitor new and changing spots over time.
It may be particularly helpful for people with many moles, melanoma history, significant sun damage or an increased risk of skin cancer. Your doctor can advise whether FotoFinder surveillance is appropriate for you.