Skin checks.
Full body skin cancer checks and total body photography.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with about 2 out of 3 Australians being diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. 95% of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure, with the most common skin cancer being Basal Cell Carcinoma (2 out of 3 skin cancers), followed by Squamous Cell Carcinoma (1 in 3 skin cancers) and melanoma (1 in 100 skin cancers).
​
Diagnosing skin cancer involves firstly, maintaining awareness of your skin, watching for any skin lesions that are sore, changing, abnormal or new (https://www.scanyourskin.org/):
-
Sore lesions may be tender, or bleed easily, and haven’t healed as expected within 6 weeks.
-
Changing moles may change in size, shape, colour or texture.
-
Abnormal moles that look different to your other moles – we call them ugly ducklings.
-
New moles or spots, especially if you are over 40 years old, should be checked.
A skin check begins with your doctor taking a medical history and a history of your lifetime UV exposure. This allows for assessment of your specific skin cancer risks. Your doctor will also want to know if you have any moles or spots which you are particularly worried about.
​
For the check itself you will be instructed to undress down to your underwear, if you have any concerns regarding a mole or lesion beneath your underwear, please notify your doctor and they can check this for you. Your doctor will then examine your skin, including your hands, feet, nails and scalp, with a dermatoscope to thoroughly assess any moles or spots you may have, paying special attention to any you have flagged as ones of concern.
​
With your prior consent, clinical images may be taken of some of your moles. These images are securely stored on a purpose-built platform, which allows us to track any changes should they occur over the coming months and years.
​
Dermoscopy
Dermoscopy is the visualization of moles and skin lesions under a handheld device called a dermatoscope, which both illuminates and provides magnification. The fine details of skin lesions can be viewed and analysed to allow for a more accurate diagnosis of skin cancers.
Digital imaging
Clinical digital images of skin lesions, securely stored on a custom built dermoscopy platform, allow for detailed analysis and monitoring for changes over time which may raise suspicions of a developing skin cancer.
Preparing for your skin check
• Please arrive for your skin check without any makeup or skin lotions on if possible.
• Arrive with clean skin so we can better visualize your moles.
• Wear clothes that make it easy for you to dress and undress.
Total body photography
In addition to full body skin checks, Wellbeing Skin is pleased to offer total body photography, where clinical images are taken of the entire surface of the skin. These images are stored securely on a custom built dermoscopy platform and used as a reference point at subsequent skin checks. The benefits of total body photography include more rapid diagnosis of melanomas, allowing them to be detected while they are in their early stages.
​
Some patients may specifically request this service, while we may suggest it to others who are at high risk of melanoma, including:
- Patients with high mole counts.
- Patients with large or unusual moles.
- Those patients with a previous diagnosis of melanoma.
- Patients with a strong family history of melanoma.
- Those people with fair skin and a history of significant sunburns.