Skin Cancer Checks
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Regular skin checks can help identify suspicious spots and skin cancers early, when they are often easier to treat.
At Woodville South GP, we offer comprehensive skin cancer checks for patients who are concerned about a particular spot, have a history of sun exposure or skin cancer, or simply want the reassurance of having their skin properly checked.
Book a comprehensive skin check with our GP skin cancer service.
[BOOK A SKIN CHECK]
What happens during a skin check?
A comprehensive skin check is a 20-minute appointment dedicated to examining your skin.
Your GP will ask about your skin cancer risk, including your sun exposure, previous skin cancers and any spots or changes you have noticed.
Your skin will then be systematically examined for suspicious moles, spots and other skin lesions. Dermoscopy — a specialised magnifying device that allows the doctor to examine structures beneath the surface of the skin — may be used to assess individual spots more closely.
If anything requires further investigation, your GP will explain what they have found and what they recommend next.
Who should consider a skin check?
You don’t need to have a particular concern to book a skin check.
A skin check may be particularly worthwhile if you:
Have noticed a new or changing mole or spot
Have a spot that is bleeding, crusting, itchy or not healing
Have previously had a melanoma or other skin cancer
Have a family history of melanoma
Have fair skin or skin that burns easily
Have had significant sun exposure over your lifetime
Have had frequent sunburns, particularly when younger
Spend or have spent a lot of time outdoors
Have a large number of moles
Simply haven’t had your skin checked for some time
If you have noticed a particular spot that concerns you, please point it out to your doctor even if it doesn’t look obviously abnormal.
What if the doctor finds something?
Most spots examined during a skin check do not require removal.
If your GP finds something suspicious, the next step depends on what it looks like. They may recommend monitoring it, taking a small sample of the skin (biopsy), removing the lesion completely, or referring you to a dermatologist or another specialist where appropriate.
If a skin cancer needs to be removed
Many straightforward skin cancers can be surgically removed here at Woodville South GP under local anaesthetic.
If an excision is recommended, we will usually arrange a dedicated procedure appointment. The lesion is removed with an appropriate margin of surrounding skin and sent to pathology for examination.
Some lesions are better managed by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or other specialist. If this is the case, your GP will discuss this with you and arrange an appropriate referral.
Our aim is to make the process from skin check → diagnosis → treatment → follow-up as straightforward as possible.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
To help us perform a thorough examination:
Wear clothing that is easy to remove and put back on.
Avoid wearing makeup or heavy foundation if you have spots on your face you would like examined.
Remove nail polish if you have a concerning spot on or around a nail.
Think about any spots that have recently changed, and make sure you point these out during your appointment.
If another doctor has previously photographed or monitored a spot, bring any information or photographs you have available.
A comprehensive skin check may require examination of areas normally covered by clothing. Your doctor will explain what is required and your privacy and comfort will be respected throughout the examination.
What does a skin check cost?
A comprehensive 20-minute skin check is $120 out of pocket.
A Medicare rebate may apply where you are eligible.
If a biopsy or other procedure is recommended, there may be an additional fee. Your doctor or our team will explain the expected cost before proceeding.
Please contact our reception team if you would like further information about fees.
Don’t wait for a spot to become painful
Skin cancers don’t necessarily hurt or cause symptoms in their early stages. Sometimes the first sign is simply a spot that looks different, has changed, or doesn’t seem to heal.
If something on your skin has caught your attention, it’s worth having it looked at.