This comprises of:
- A comprehensive and detailed skin history of the patient; to assess the patient’s risk and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, their genetic predisposition to skin cancer, and any previous history of skin cancer or other forms of cancer. The patient’s family history of skin cancer or other forms of cancer is also documented along with the patient’s medication and allergy history, past medical and surgical history.
- A physical examination of the skin from head to toe. It is important for the patient to inform us of any moles or spots they are concerned about, prior to the skin examination.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A SKIN CHECK?
The physical examination of the skin takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the number of moles or spots the patient has and the skin type.
WHAT INSTRUMENT IS USED FOR EXAMINING THE SKIN?
A handheld magnifying instrument called a dermatoscope is used to physically examine the skin from head to toe. The moles or spots are examined to determine if they are suspicious of possible skin cancers or not.
At Skin Chex Adelaide Skin Cancer Clinic, we use the FotofinderTM latest Skin Imaging technology to take photos and monitor any changes in the appearance of any moles or spots for early detection of possible skin cancer.
DO I HAVE TO GET UNDRESSED?
The physical skin examination is done with the patient undressed down to their underwear.
A clean sheet is provided to the patient prior to the physical skin examination to provide dignity and comfort during the skin check.
We recommend all patients wear very comfortable clothing, avoid putting on any nail polish, and do not wear any makeup for their skin examination. The reason is; the entire skin including the face and nails are examined during the skin check.
We offer Chaperones to our patients during the skin check. It is our policy that female patients are examined in the presence of a Chaperone.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SKIN DOCTOR FINDS ANY MOLE OR SPOT THAT IS HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS OF POSSIBLE SKIN CANCER?
The skin doctor will inform you of any spot or mole that requires testing to confirm if it is skin cancer.
This is done by cutting a small part (skin biopsy) of the mole or spot using an aseptic technique, which is sent to the pathology laboratory for testing. In some cases, a complete excision (removal of the spot) is required, if the skin doctor suspects it to be a melanoma.
This procedure is done by injecting the mole or spot with a local anesthetic to numb the area. The skin doctor then uses a scalpel to remove the spot with a small amount of healthy tissue (about 2mm margin) around it. This is particularly done for any mole or spot suspicious of being a possible melanoma.
For any mole or spot suspicious of other skin cancer(non-melanoma), a small tissue is initially removed (skin biopsy) for testing in the pathology laboratory.
This minor procedure can be carried out in your skin doctor’s clinic or your GP’s surgery. If the spot is located in a high-risk area of the body, you may be referred to a Plastic Surgeon accordingly.
It takes about a few days to one week to receive the pathology results from the laboratory, depending on the pathology laboratory provider.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE MOLE OR SPOT IS CONFIRMED AS SKIN CANCER WITH THE PATHOLOGY RESULTS?
For most cases of skin cancers, another appointment is required to remove the entire spot along with a small margin of healthy tissue around it.
If the pathology result confirms the testing to be a melanoma, further surgery is probably required, such as a wide local excision. Sometimes melanoma can travel through the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system to other parts of the body. In cases where the melanoma is considered high-risk, your lymph nodes will need to be examined. You will be referred to a local Melanoma Clinic for sentinel lymph node biopsy and further management.
ARE MINOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES THE ONLY WAY TO TREAT SKIN CANCER?
For a majority of the cases when the skin cancers are detected early, they can be successfully treated with minor surgery skin excisions. However, there are other non-surgical treatments that can be used depending on the type of skin cancer. These treatments include radiotherapy, application of topical creams, phototherapy (light therapy), and Cryotherapy (freezing the mole or spot with liquid nitrogen).
IS A FOLLOW-UP REQUIRED?
A follow-up skin check is required depending on the type of skin cancer that is found. This may vary from having skin checks every 3-6 months to once every year or every two years.
A recall system is put in place to remind the patient when their follow-up skin check is due. We also advise patients to keep their own record that reminds them when they are due for a follow-up skin check.
WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER?
- Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible; shirts with long sleeves and long pants.
- Choose loose-fitting clothing to keep cool in the heat.
- Apply sunscreen generously to the clean and dry exposed parts of your skin, 20 minutes before going outdoors. Use sunscreen with SPF 30+ or higher, which has broad-spectrum and is also water-resistant.
- Remember to re-apply sunscreen every two (2) hours, while out in the sun or more often if sweating, out on the beach swimming, or working with water outside.
- Wear round, broad, or brimmed shady hats when out in the sun.
- Avoid going outdoors during the middle of the day when the ultraviolet (UV) radiation level is high and strong.
- Download a UV app and avoid going outside when the UV index reaches 3 and above. Seek shade when outdoors during the middle of the day, when ultraviolet (UV) radiation is high and strong.
- Wear protective sunglasses for the eyes at all times when outdoors during daylight.
- It is recommended to wear sunglasses with an eye protection factor (EPF) of 10.
- Most importantly, have regular annual skin checks with your skin doctor or GP, or dermatologist.
- Do self-skin examination at home with a very good light source and a handheld mirror.
- Alternatively, have someone assist you in checking areas you cannot see such as the back of your legs, neck, and back.
- Avoid the use of tanning beds.
- Avoid the use of sunlamps.
- For more information on self-examination, we recommend visiting SCAN your skin website.
