HOW LONG DOES A SKIN CHECK TAKE?

A skin check can take up to 30 minutes. This includes some time for Dr. Zamani to ask you questions about your general health and for you to ask any questions you may have. Make sure you tell the doctor about any spots or moles you have which are Sore, Changing, Abnormal or New. The actual check of your skin can take from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your skin type and the number of moles and spots to be looked at.

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DO I HAVE TO GET UNDRESSED?

Yes, to complete a thorough skin examination, you will be required to undress down to your underwear.

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WHAT EQUIPMENT IS USED DURING MY SKIN CHECK?

Dr. Zamani will use a dermatoscope to have a close up and magnified look at any spots of concern. A dermatoscope is a bit like a torch with a magnifying glass attached to the end. Using a dermatoscope is painless. We frequently take photograph(s) of a spot or mole so it can be monitored over time for any changes in appearance. These photos are stored securely on your patient file.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DOCTOR FINDS SOMETHING THAT COULD BE CANCER?

Your doctor will tell you if you have any moles or spots of concern which may require testing. To test the mole or spot the doctor will either take a small biopsy (sample) of it, or completely excise (cut out) the spot of concern – all of which are done under local anaesthetic. Biopsies are either done on the spot or at a later scheduled date/time.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM DIAGNOSED WITH SKIN CANCER?

In most cases, when found early, skin cancer can be easily and successfully treated with surgery. Most skin cancers are cured once they are removed. If the surgical procedure does not successfully remove all the cancer or the cancer returns, other treatment options may be required. Other non-surgical treatments such as creams, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, or light therapy may be used but this will depend on the type of skin cancer found. Further information regarding treatment options can be found below.

Skin Cancer Treatment cancercouncil.org.au

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY SKIN CHECK?

Depending on your level of risk for developing skin cancer, your doctor may recommend regular follow up skin checks. The frequency for follow up skin checks can vary from every few months, to once every year or two. Most doctors with have a system in place to send you a skin check reminder, but it is also a good idea to keep your own record of when a follow up skin check is due. 

Source https://www.scanyourskin.org/what-happens-during-a-skin-check/