Research shows that 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Skin cancer can be treated successfully if detected early, and this is why regular appointments for skin examination and skin cancer detection are so important.

At Sun & Skin Medical Centre, we are an accredited skin clinic that offers skin cancer detection appointments for patients. Our consulting team is comprised of a group of highly trained and experienced skin doctors, who are committed to providing all patients with the highest standard of care for all of their skin concerns.

Our skin cancer detection appointments generally consist of physical examination of the skin, whether that be a full skin check or a mole map. In cases where a suspicious lesion is detected, a skin biopsy may be recommended. Skin biopsy is used to definitively diagnose skin cancer. We are proud to offer our patients access to the latest technologies and treatments, all conveniently performed in our Mount Eliza clinic.

Skin cancer detection begins with checking your skin regularly at home and monitoring for any changes. Protect your skin from UV radiation and examine your skin surface frequently to check for any changes or new moles or sun spots. The easiest way to do this is to undress, and in a room with good lighting, use a full length mirror to check your body. You can use a handheld mirror to check places that are hard to reach. It is important to check all areas of your skin, including those that are not regularly exposed to sunlight, as skin cancer can occur anywhere on the skin surface.

If you notice any new or changed skin lesions, it is important to give us a call at Sun & Skin Medical Centre, so that we can book you in for a skin cancer detection appointment as soon as possible.

Skin cancer detection appointments are important for all Australians. Skin cancer can occur in people of all backgrounds and ages, and on any part of the body, including inconspicuous areas such as the scalp, back of the neck, and between fingers and toes.

Your skin doctor will be able to recommend how frequently you should have a skin cancer detection check, based on your individual circumstances. There are some people who are considered at higher risk of developing skin cancer, and for these patients more frequent checks are recommended. Patient at higher risk include those who have one or more of the following:

• Fair or freckled skin that is prone to burning rather than tanning
• Light coloured eyes (blue or green) and fair hair
• Had multiple sunburns, especially during their childhood
• Have used tanning beds or solariums at some stage in their lives
• Have large numbers of moles or freckles on their skin
• Have multiple dysplastic nevi
• Have personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have personal or family history of melanoma cancer.
• Work outdoors for long hours

Similar to a normal full skin check appointment, your skin cancer detection appointment involves a qualified skin doctor thoroughly examining the entire surface of your skin. They may also recommend that a mole map be performed, especially if you have a lot of moles on your skin. If any potentially suspicious lesions are identified, your doctor will likely recommend a skin biopsy. A biopsy is a minor procedure that allows the doctor to collect a sample of the lesion to send off to the pathology lab. A biopsy can accurately identify whether a skin lesion is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Your skin cancer detection appointment at Sun & Skin Medical Centre will begin with your skin doctor taking a thorough medical history. Following this, the doctor will conduct a full body skin check using a dermatoscope and/or mole mapping using our Fotofinder technology. This will allow your doctor to visualize any skin lesions that are currently present, and monitor them for any changes over time. These procedures are completely painless.

Your skin doctor will advise you if any biopsy is required for diagnosis, should they find any suspicious lesions.

Please note that you will be asked to undress down to your underwear for the physical examination component of your skin cancer detection appointment.  Our staff can provide you with a modesty gown if required. Please try to remove all nail polish and make up prior to your appointment, and wear nude coloured underwear if possible.

In some cases, suspicious lesions are identified during skin cancer detection appointments. In these instances, a skin biopsy will be required in order to definitively diagnose skin cancer, or exclude it. If you need to have a biopsy, your skin doctor will speak with you in detail regarding what type of biopsy they will perform. Biopsies are performed with local anaesthetic.

• Shave biospies involve taking a shave sample of the skin; there are no sutures involved
• Punch biospies are performed using a special probe that removes a small sample of the skin; the wound is either dressed or sutured depending on the size.

Your skin doctor then sends the sample off to the pathology lab and awaits the results. Usually these reach your doctor within a few days. Your doctor will then be in contact with further instructions on whether further treatment or monitoring is required.

At Sun & Skin Medical Centre, we offer skin cancer detection Melbourne patients can access at our Mt Eliza clinic, as well as a range of treatments for their skin lesions, should they be required. Our experienced and fully qualified doctors perform excisions, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and topical treatments.

For all appointments for skin cancer detection Mt Eliza patients can visit our local clinic on Nepean Highway in Mt Eliza. We offer a range of services including full skin checks, mole mapping, skin biopsies, and a range of both medical and cometic skin treatments.

Please contact our friendly administrative team at Sun & Skin Medical Centre for all enquiries and appointments. Our doctors consult from Monday to Saturday, with no referral necessary.