What does a skin cancer check involve?
A skin check starts with your doctor taking a medical history to get an understanding of your risk of skin cancers. You will then be asked to remove clothing, except for underwear. Your doctor will check your whole body from head to toe using a dermatoscope. Potential skin cancers or suspicious lesions requiring monitoring will be imaged for future comparison. Below is a dermoscopic image of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) taken at Chevron Advanced Medical prior to excision.
A skin check starts with your doctor taking a medical history to get an understanding of your risk of skin cancers. You will then be asked to remove clothing, except for underwear. Your doctor will check your whole body from head to toe using a dermatoscope. Potential skin cancers or suspicious lesions requiring monitoring will be imaged for future comparison. Below is a dermoscopic image of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) taken at Chevron Advanced Medical prior to excision.
Which appointment should I book for my skin check?
This depends on the type of appointment you book for your skin check:
- Skin cancer check (full) - this is a thorough skin check from head to toe. Skin checks should be done every 1 to 2 years depending on your history.
- Spot check (brief) - this is suitable if you have a spot of concern that you would like checked.
- Skin check with total body photography (mole map) - this is ideal for patients with a history of melanoma or dysplastic nevus syndrome. Mole mapping may be done every 2 to 5 years depending on your history. Skin checks should be done in between these periods.
Skin check fees:
- Skin check (full) = $140 (Medicare will rebate $82, resulting in a gap of $60). Fees may differ with Dr Marchand.
- Spot check (brief) = $90 (Medicare rebate is $42, gap is $50).
- Mole map + skin check combined session = $280 (rebate $120, gap $160).
- DVA gold - bulk billed.
- Cryotherapy - bulk billed.
Excision fees:
The fees below apply to Dr Andrew Thant and Dr Mae Tun only.
- Punch or shave biopsy of suspicious lesion = small gap.
- Excision of 1 skin cancer = $150 gap. Discounted fee of $80 for pensioners.
- Excision of additional skin cancers on the same day = $50 per additional lesion. Discounted rate of $30 per additional lesion for pensioners.
- DVA gold - bulk billed.
- Cosmetic surgical removal of non cancerous skin lesions, cysts, lipomas, etc. = fee depending on location and complexity.
- Cosmetic removal of large skin tags = fee depending on location and complexity.
How can I book a skin check?
- You can book online or call us on 07 55388811.
- Dr Andrew Thant is an accredited skin cancer doctor with the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.
- Dr Mae Tun and Dr Jonathan Marchand are GPs with special interest in skin cancer management.
Yes, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is used during the skin check, at no extra cost.
What are the common types of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma - which is the most dangerous skin cancer due to its propensity to grow quickly and spread to other parts of your body. A skin check is the best way to find and treat skin cancers early, before they cause disfigurement or spread.
How often should I get a skin check?
A skin check is generally recommended every 1 to 2 years. If you have a history of melanoma, a skin check should be done every 3 to 12 months. If any borderline suspicious lesions are found, your doctor might recommend to get surveillance photography of these lesions in 3 months time (spot check).
Should I get a mole map?
If you have many moles, dysplastic nevus syndrome or a history of melanoma, your doctor might recommend total body mole mapping in addition to a skin check.
If a skin cancer is diagnosed, can you cut it out?
Yes we can. You can choose to get your skin cancer cut out at Chevron Advanced Medical, or at another clinic or specialist (dermatologist or plastic surgeon) of your choice. Excisions that are done in clinic, use local anaesthetic. For excisions requiring general anaesthesia, you will be referred to the hospital (either public or private depending on your preference).
Do you also treat age spots, skin tags, cysts and benign moles?
Yes. These can be treated with cryotherapy / cautery / shave removal with local anaesthetic, etc.