Skin Cancer Checks
Early detection starts with a skin check
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Regular skin cancer checks can help identify suspicious or changing skin lesions early, when treatment may be simpler and more effective.
At Albany Skin Clinic, our doctors provide comprehensive skin checks in Albany for people concerned about a particular spot as well as those wanting a routine skin cancer assessment.
Our doctors use dermoscopy and clinical examination to assess moles, freckles and other skin lesions, with each skin check tailored to your individual risk factors and skin history.
What happens during a skin check?
A comprehensive skin cancer check is more than simply looking at a few spots that concern you.
Your appointment may include:
- A discussion about your personal and family history of skin cancer
- Assessment of factors that may increase your risk, including sun exposure and skin type
- A systematic examination of your skin
- Dermoscopy to examine moles and suspicious skin lesions more closely
- Advice about your individual skin cancer risk
- Recommendations for ongoing skin surveillance
If a suspicious lesion is identified during your mole or skin check, your doctor will discuss the most appropriate next steps. This may include monitoring the lesion, arranging a biopsy or recommending treatment where appropriate.
Who should have a skin cancer check?
You don’t need to wait until you find a suspicious mole to have your skin checked. Regular skin checks may be recommended depending on your individual risk factors.
You should also consider booking a skin check if you:
- Have noticed a new or changing mole or spot
- Have a mole that has changed in size, shape or colour
- Have a lesion that bleeds, crusts or doesn't heal
- Have previously had melanoma or another skin cancer
- Have a family history of melanoma or skin cancer
- Have fair skin or a history of frequent sunburn
- Have spent significant time outdoors or had substantial sun exposure
If you have noticed a new or changing lesion, it is important not to wait for your next routine skin check to have it assessed.
How often should I have a skin check?
There is no single skin check schedule that suits everyone.
Following your examination, your doctor can recommend an appropriate follow-up interval based on your individual risk factors, skin type and history. Some people may only require periodic checks, while people at higher risk of skin cancer may benefit from more frequent surveillance.
Advanced skin surveillance with OptimaScan 3D
For patients at higher risk of melanoma or those with many moles, your doctor may recommend OptimaScan 3D Total Body Imaging as part of an ongoing skin surveillance plan.
Available at Albany Skin Clinic, OptimaScan creates a detailed photographic record of your skin that can be compared over time to help identify new or changing lesions.
OptimaScan is performed separately to your skin cancer check and is designed to complement, rather than replace, examination by your doctor.
If further investigation or treatment is required
Not every suspicious spot is skin cancer, and not every skin cancer requires the same treatment.
If your doctor identifies an area requiring further investigation or treatment, they will explain the recommended next steps.
- Monitoring and review
- Biopsy
- Surgical excision
- Referral for further assessment or treatment where appropriate
Any recommended management will be discussed with you before proceeding.
Book a Skin Check in Albany
Whether you’ve noticed a concerning spot, have a history of skin cancer or would like a routine skin cancer check, you can book an appointment with Albany Skin Clinic.
We provide skin cancer checks for patients in Albany and across the Great Southern, with ongoing surveillance available for patients who require regular monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
A thorough skin examination is usually performed with the patient undressed to their underwear or bathers. We ask that you let your doctor know if you are aware of any spots or lesions hidden beneath clothing or underwear.
Modesty sheets are used during the examination, and a chaperone is available if requested.