Detect Melanoma with a Melbourne Skin Cancer Check
Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, affecting people both young and old. Here in Australia, we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Some alarming statistics include:
More than 60% of Australians will receive a diagnosis of skin cancer before the age of 70.
More than 2000 Australians are dying of skin cancer each year.
More than 2,500 skin cancer treatments occur in Australia every day
A full body skin cancer check at Mole Check Clinic means exactly that – your entire body is put under examination from head to toe by one of our specialised doctors for any suspicious spots. The aim of our Melanoma screening tests is to find and examine all moles and freckles that may be cancerous, precancerous or otherwise likely to be a health risk. Early skin cancer detection typically makes for a much easier treatment outcome.
For a comprehensive skin cancer scan in Melbourne, make an appointment at Mole Check Clinic. With clinics in Northcote, St Kilda Road in Melbourne, Bentleigh, Surrey Hills, Boronia & Narre Warren we can provide you with the essential Melbourne skin cancer check-up that just might save your life.
The Common Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
As a country with one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due in large part to our heavy exposure to the sun, the importance of Australians being able to recognise the signs and symptoms of skin cancer cannot be understated. There are three types of skin cancers ; melanoma (including nodular melanoma), basal cell carcinoma and the squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the deadliest type, while basal cell carcinoma is considered the least life-threatening type of skin cancer.
Early skin cancer detection begins with a self-examination of the skin from top to bottom, looking for any moles or raised bumps on the skin that are either new or have been on your body for a while but have changed shape, size or colour in a relatively short amount of time. Even if you have moles or freckles that haven’t changed in any way, it’s wise to see a skin cancer screening specialist to ensure they’re unlikely to put you at risk of getting skin cancer.
Better to Be Safe than Sorry
Even though most people understand that they need to book a skin cancer check if they find a suspiciously looking mole or freckle on their body, it’s not always possible to be aware of its existence if the mole is in a hard to view location. It’s also not uncommon for people to have a significant misconception about what a suspicious spot may look like. We frequently have patients come to our practice wanting us to diagnose a skin concern, only for it to be assessed and determined that it’s nothing to worry about. However, while screening the patient, they may discover moles or freckles that actually are of great concern, surprising the patient who would never have thought those were anything to worry about or perhaps didn’t even know they were there. A regular full body skin cancer exam by an experienced practitioner at our skin cancer diagnostic clinic will give you the best chance of catching skin cancer in the early stage of development so effective treatment can be sought.
When you visit our skin cancer clinic in Melbourne for a skin cancer check, you will be required to undress to your undergarments for a complete examination. The procedure requires your doctor to methodically assess every section of your skin, stopping at every mole or freckle that they think might be even remotely suspicious. They will use a sophisticated magnifying device called a dermatoscope, which shines polarised light when and where required to aid in diagnosis. At our clinics, all suspicious moles or freckles are photographed under high magnification and immediately transferred to the doctor’s computer for further analysis.
You’ll be able to get dressed once your entire body has been screened as part of the skin cancer detection scan. Soon after, your doctor will discuss the results with you and show you the magnified images on the screen if necessary, advising you on a further course of action.
The Process
Your Melbourne skin cancer check will take 20 to 30 minutes depending on the number of suspicious spots you have.
Please do not wear any fake tan, makeup or nail polish, as they may cover spots on your body.
You will be seen by a skin cancer screening doctor who will ask you to undress to your undergarments and examine your entire body from head to toe with a dermatoscope (a medical device that produces very high magnification). If you feel it’s necessary, the doctor can examine and photograph the areas around the breasts, buttocks and genitals.
A number of photographs of particular moles or freckles may need to be taken under high magnification in order to provide the most accurate skin cancer diagnosis.
Once you have gotten dressed following your skin cancer exam, your doctor will talk you through their findings. Using the magnified photographs as a visual aid, they will inform you whether or not they found anything suspicious on your body. You will then discuss your next course of action, whether it be a biopsy or a follow up visit. The doctor will also discuss your risk of developing skin cancer, various preventative measures you can implement, and how to look after your skin.
As a rule, we recommend that full body skin cancer checks should be done every 12 months, or more often if you have a history of skin cancer. Regular checks allow us to provide you with the best possible care and prevent you from succumbing to this insidious disease. However, the doctor will advise you on the most appropriate time interval in your circumstances.
If you’d like to make an appointment for a Melbourne skin cancer check, contact the experienced team at Mole Check Clinic today.
