Get Reliable Melanoma, Mole Checks in Melbourne with Our Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Did you know that skin cancer does not discriminate between little ones and adults and can affect both?
In Australia it’s mandatory to get tested since we have one of the highest skin cancer rates globally:
- About 60% or more Australians will get a diagnosis for skin cancer before they turn 70.
- 20,000 or more Australians die of skin cancer annually.
- About 2,500 or more treatments for skin cancer are carried out each day in Australia.
An entire skin cancer checkup for the body will cover just that: You will be put under diagnosis where our trained clinicians will examine your body from top to bottom for any spots. The goal of this screening is to detect any freckles or mole spots that are cancerous, in their early stages or are risky to your health. By doing an early detection getting a treatment outcome will be simpler.
If you need an in-depth skin cancer checks in Melbourne, book an appointment with us at Pakenham Medical Clinic. Our treatment center is easily locatable where we can offer the right check up you need to prevent skin cancer.
How Can I Detect Skin Cancer Symptoms?
Since Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates globally due to harsh sun exposure, it’s important to understand key signs and symptoms early on.
To begin with, there are different types of skin cancers namely 1) melanoma 2) basal cell carcinoma, and 3) squamous cell carcinoma. While basal cell carcinoma is supposed to be less dangerous, melanoma is the most serious and deadly type of cancer.
The early phase of detecting skin cancer includes a self-examination of your skin. From head to toe where we examine any moles or bumps that are newly formed or have stayed on the body for a longer time with a change in shape, size, or color in a short time. Even if there are moles that haven’t changed shape, it’s vial to see a practitioner to prevent yourself from any risks of developing skin cancer.
Don’t Take Risks, Get Checked for a Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Even if you realise you might need to get checked for skin cancer diagnosis once you find the presence of a mole or freckle, you can’t always be aware of their existence since they can be located in a hard-to-find spot.
Also, it’s not odd for people to have any misconceptions regarding how a spot may actually be in reality. There are quite a few times where patients visit us to get checked for a skin cancer diagnosis only to realise later it’s nothing major or life-threatening. On the other hand, there are some occasions where patients, upon diagnosis, unravel moles that are discomforting or concerning for their body; leaving the patients surprised who didn’t know their existence in the first place. It’s for this reason that getting checked for a full-body diagnosis is crucial by a trained practitioner. It can give you an opportunity to detect any type of skin cancer early on so an effective treatment can be undergone.
Get in touch with our team of practitioners today.
What Can I Expect During the Skin Cancer Checks?
Once you come for the checkup, you will need to undress your clothes (including undergarments) prior to the assessment.
The assessment will need a doctor to minutely assess your skin across each section. Mole checks or freckle examination will not only help you address your concerns but also identify those that are. potentially threatening.
Using a specialized magnification device called the dermatoscope that shines polarised light to help with the diagnosis, the practitioner will perform the examination.
At Pakenham Medical Clinic, any mole or freckle that seems potentially cancerous is checked and we put the patient on the recall list for regular check up.
Once the assessment is done and all moles are checked on your body you can get dressed. The doctor will then discuss with you the findings and show the magnified images if requested. Following that the next procedure will be conducted.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The assessment will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes based on the amount of areas or spots to be assessed.
- It’s advised not to wear any form of makeup as it could cover up the mole spots
- One of our skin care doctors will request you to get undressed in order to examine any unsuspected moles located on the body from top to bottom using the dermatoscope (the device with high magnification). If you feel there is a need to examine areas around the genitals, buttocks, or breasts the doctor can do the examination with your written consent.
- Mole Mapping is not performed at our facility, we only do mole examination using dermatoscopy.
- Certain types of modes or freckles would require examination under high magnification so that our doctors can offer the most accurate diagnosis for skin cancer. The next procedure, whether it’s biopsy or removal, can then be discussed during a follow-up visit. The doctor will tell you the chances of developing melanoma or other cancer forms as well discuss various prevention methods for your skin.
How Often Should I Do a Skin Check?
We recommend undergoing a skin check up every 12 months or on a frequent basis if you have been detected with skin cancer like melanoma. Regular checks can help us suggest the right treatment and prevent any ill consequences. Our doctors will recommend the right interval for your case.
Need an in-depth and reliable skin cancer check in Pakenham or Melbourne? Get in touch with our doctors at Pakenham Medical for a diagnosis.