Please note, Skin Checks are performed in our Geelong clinic which is called Skin Screen Skin Cancer Clinic. You can book an appointment below or call on 03 5243 7378 .

    The Skin Check Process – Geelong Clinic ONLY

    Skin cancer checks are undertaken as a preventative care model for early detection of skin cancer. 

    The checks involve the doctor examining your skin, initially without any instruments, and then suspicious spots will be examined more closely with a device called a “dermatoscope” or under a bright light and magnification. This process is called dermoscopy and using the hand held device, the doctor can magnify the lesion of interest.

    To support the expertise of our doctors, we have invested in an advanced artificial intelligence based software system – DermEngine™. 

    Dermatoscope

    This system provides a secure, cloud-based storage of images taken during skin cancer checks or whole body photography, and applies analytics to the lesions and supplements the doctor’s clinical decision making. It is an amazing system that also allows for easy tracking of spots, with side by side analysis assessing if any lesions have changed shape or size over time which may indicate a suspicious change to investigate.

    We use the latest technology to support and provide the best care available for our patients.

    Our specialists are trained to use the latest DermEngine Software, which is a highly effective and detailed tool to accurately detect any skin abnormalities from early stages. 

    The software is a comprehensive tool that assists us in capturing, documenting and reviewing your skin images with the support of smart tools on DermEngine. 

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    Total Body Photography is the process of taking high quality images of your skin to help your specialist monitor and assess your spots. This highly intelligent tool can help detect any concerns as early as possible to reduce the risk of unnecesary procedures, and best of all it’s quick! 

    Treatment Options

    Any lesions or moles that are suspicious will be discussed and a treatment plan made with you. The plan may include taking a biopsy, a minor procedure such as excision, topical cream, active monitoring, superficial x-ray therapy or a referral to a specialist such as a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon.
    Skin Biopsies

    Please visit our dedicated Skin Biopsies page for more information.

    Skin Cancer Surgery
    Your doctor will discuss the treatment options available to you once your skin cancer diagnosis has been confirmed. Depending on the size, location, type of skin cancer and any underlying health considerations, surgical removal of the skin cancer is a common treatment approach. This procedure will be undertaken on a separate day from your initial consultation with the doctor. If surgical excision is not appropriate in your circumstances, the doctor will discuss treatment alternatives such as cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
    Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen
    Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to “freeze” sunspots and some smaller cancers as an alternative treatment to surgery. The doctor applies the liquid nitrogen onto the spot and a little area of surrounding skin. It is normal to feel a little sting or burning sensation that lasts no more than a few minutes. The freezing process kills the abnormal skin cells creating a wound, and may require further applications over time. The treatment area usually becomes red and the wound will crust over in a few days. The new skin will grow under the crust, which will fall away across the a few weeks after the cryotherapy application.

    Referrals

    To be seen by the GP for skin cancer checks or mole mapping, no referral is required. Either call the clinic, or check appointment availability via our online booking system.

    To be seen by the specialist Radiation Oncologist, we will require a referral from your GP, specialist or dermatologist.

    Skin Check Book Now – Geelong Clinic

    Fees

    The fee for skin checks vary per case depending on the number and complexity of services provided.

    We offer free off-street parking for our patients.

    What to bring

    • Valid Medicare, Pensioners, Seniors Health or DVA Card
    • A list of current medications or allergies
    • A list of any medical conditions

    Who should get a skin check?

    Cancer Council Australia recommends that you should see a doctor if you notice a new spot, or changes in the colour, size or shape of existing spots. For high risk individuals, they also recommend full skin examinations every 6 months, supported by dermoscopy and total body photography. (reference)

    In our busy lives, it can easily slip the mind when 6 months is due to come around. We can send you an SMS reminder a couple of weeks before you are due for your next visit, and simply jump onto our online booking portal to select a time that suits your availability, or call/email the team to book in for you.