The majority of skin checks involve a handheld dermoscopy device that provides superb visual clarity during the examination.

The latest handheld dermoscopy, the Heine D30, was bought in 2021.

Lesions may be monitored and documented with the handheld scanner attached to a smartphone.

We previously used a Visiomed mole scanner attached to a PC, but are increasingly recording lesions onto the cloudbased electronic health record.

Please note that South East Skin Clinic does not currently offer total body photography.

Total body photography describes the process for of recording all moles in a series of photos (typically 2o t0 25 photos).

Whole-body dermoscopy describes the process of recording each mole as both an ‘overview’ and a dermoscopic digital image. Each mole is compared over subsequent visits.

Total body photography with or without whole-body dermoscopy may be beneficial for patients with Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome (FAMMM syndrome) .

Our service specialises in the early diagnosis of skin cancer.

We do offer skin cancer surgery for skin cancer :

• under (approximately) 1.5cm in size, and
• located on the arms, legs (above the knee) , shoulders, abdomen or trunk.

A referral to a private plastic surgeon is usually arranged for skin cancer requiring surgery:

• On the ears, face or scalp
• Below the knees (unless small)
• Larger skin cancers
• Any repair that may require a flap or graft
• Mohs surgery

Planned skin surgery is performed on monday and wednesday mornings.

The skin check may reveal a concerning lesion that requires a biopsy.

Shave biopsy is usually performed at the time of your appointment.

However, a separate appointment is booked for:

• Any excision requiring stitches (taking up to 45 minutes)
• Multiple shave biopsies when the appointment is too short eg. you booked a short appointment and require multiple shave biopsies

An annual skin check is generally recommended for adults who have mild to moderate risk factors for skin cancer.

Light Makeup may be worn prior to a skin check. Permission will be sought to remove small areas of makeup if required.

Our focus is on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Please note that we do not routinely remove skin tags. Removal of these lesions is generally not covered by medicare rebates unless a biopsy is required to rule out skin cancer.

Our expertise lies in the combination of expert dermoscopy with judicious use of skin biopsy.

There are three outcomes following a very close dermoscopic examination:

• No longer any concern
• Possible melanoma – unlikely, but cannot be absolutely ruled out – either follow up within 1-3 months, or biopsy
• Medium or high likelihood of melanoma: Surgical Excision is required

Fact Check: The number of excisions required for a single melanoma diagnosis varies considerably between different doctors

When there is uncertainty, the skin cancer doctor will discuss with you the way forward – usually monitoring or a biopsy.

Go by your gut concern and get any lesion checked out, but there is generally no need to get your child a skin check.

Melanoma is exceptionally rare under the age of 12 (probably around 1 in 1 million).

Melanoma in teenagers is very rare.