Skin Clinics
A skin check is one of the best ways to detect and prevent skin cancers. Skin checks take 30 minutes to complete and during that time your doctor will examine your whole body. If your doctor finds a suspicious spot on your skin, they may remove it or perform a biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue for detailed examination at a laboratory).
What to expect in your skin check consultation:
- Please don’t wear any make-up, nail varnish or tanning products.
- Unless attending for a specific lesion/spot of concern, a full skin check is recommended.
- When the Doctor calls you into the consultation room, he/she will ask you some questions regarding family history, previous excisions, occupation, level of sun exposure and frequency of sun protection
- Your doctor will ask you to undress to your underwear.
- Your doctor will ask you if you have any spots of concern including beneath your underwear
- With your permission your doctor will examine the area of concern beneath your underwear
- There are modesty sheets and chaperones available if required.
- Your doctor will begin a systematic approach using a dermatoscope to cover all parts, paying particular attention to spots of concern and sun exposed areas
- Your doctor may lightly palpate each lesion for additional clues
- If following up from a previous melanoma, your doctor will check your liver and lymph nodes (neck, armpits, and groin)
- Cryotherapy may be applied to suitable lesions; these lesions will turn red and may blister. Please let your doctor know if this is an issue for any lesion and a follow up consultation for this can be arranged at a suitable time.
