Skin Cancer affects many of us . . . . . . . and most of us will have known someone who has been devastated by the diagnosis of Melanoma.

Australian rates of Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are the highest in the world. 

You are at risk if you have . . . .

• Numerous dark moles or varying moles on your body

• A previous history of Melanoma or other skin cancers, or a family history of Melanoma

• A history of being sun burnt (even mildly) several times in your life

• Recreational sun exposure

•  Fair skin / red hair / freckles / light coloured eyes or are easily sun burned

Early detection saves lives.

Early detection of changes through detailed skin assessment is a proven way of preventing Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

Whilst Doctors have been very successful at detecting changes using traditional methods of inspection and measurement of skin moles, there are unfortunately those that are not assessed or are missed.  That’s why Skin Microscopy is your best protection against Melanoma and other types of skin cancers..

3 Easy Steps to Peace of Mind

Step 1:  The doctor will assess your skin for moles and spots that need further evaluation.  This involves a discreet examination of all of your skin.  Whilst total body skin assessment is recommended, less extensive examination of an area or only 1 or 2 spots will be accommodated. 

Step 2:  The doctor or trained nurse will photograph body areas creating a digital map of your spots/moles.   Microscopic images are then taken for deeper critical analysis.  All photos are treated in the same way as private medical records.  They are securely protected and are not released without patient consent.

Patients may wish to receive a print-out of their photos or to have a CD of their images.  This can be useful for self monitoring at home.

Step 3:  The photos are thoroughly assessed by the doctor for risk of all types of skin cancer.  If your moles are thought to be normal, regular review examinations are recommended.  This allows for early detection of any changes.

Whilst some skin cancers can be treated non-surgically, if a mole or spot is deemed suspicious the doctor may also suggest the following courses of action: 

1:  Biopsy.  Using local anaesthetic, a small piece of the mole is taken and sent for analysis.  Usually stitches are not required.  And/or:

2:  Removal of the mole/spot.  This will usually require a further appointment.  Using local anaesthetic, the mole is surgically removed and sent for confirmation of diagnosis.  Stitches are usually required.  And/or: 

3: Referral to a specialist may be required for particularly difficult or complicated problems.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.     How is this different to taking photos with any digital camera?

A.     2 types of photos are taken: The first being a wider angle shot to cover a region of your skin and to identify position of the moles.  The second being Dermoscopic images. (microscopic images taken with a specialised camera which can look at the structure of your moles beneath the skin)

Q.     Does the computer make the diagnosis?

A. No.  Computer analysis assists in the diagnosis but is no replacement for the doctor’s expertise in assessing the Dermoscopic image of a mole.

Q. Is this a general Skin problem service?

A. No.  Skin problems such as itchy skin, eczema, rashes etc. are not assessed in the same way.  This is a skin cancer screening service.

Your doctor however will have experience in most common skin problems and will advise you on how to best manage these.  This may need  a separate appointment.

Q. Is the Doctor a dermatologist.

A. No.  The doctor is a vocationally registered General Practitioner with expertise in skin cancer risk assessment and Dermoscopy, and is a member of  the Skin Cancer Society of Australia.  There are times, however, when you may be referred to a Dermatologist or a Surgeon for difficult problems.

Q. How long will the appointment take?

A. Numerous moles can take 30-45m to assess and photograph, while fewer could be assessed in 10-15m.