Skin Checks & Advanced Diagnostics
Regular skin checks are the most effective way to detect skin cancers early, when they are highly treatable. At Roseville Skin Cancer Clinic, your care is led by a College of Surgeons trained melanoma specialist with over 25 years of expertise, giving you confidence and clarity about your skin health.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive head-to-toe examinations for thorough detection
- Targeted mole or lesion checks for reassurance
- Specialist-led interpretation and follow-up planning
- Advanced dermatoscopic assessment for precise diagnosis
What We Look For
During every skin check, your doctor carefully assesses for:
- Moles or lesions that are changing in size, colour, or shape
- Moles that appear different to others
- Sores that don't heal
- Lesions that bleed, crust, or itch
What to Expect During a Skin Examination
- Medical history review – your doctor will ask about your background, sun exposure, and any concerns.
- Privacy-focused exam – you'll be asked to remove clothing in sections as a chaperone is available if preferred.
- Preparation tips – avoid creams or makeup, tie back long hair, and remove jewellery or watches. Wear easy-to-remove clothing.
- Thorough check – skin cancers can appear anywhere, so areas like the scalp, buttocks, and between toes are included. Patients are encouraged to self-examine intimate areas before the appointment and raise concerns for review.
How We Examine Your Skin
- A dermatoscope – a handheld device with magnification and polarised light – allows us to see structures beneath the skin's surface that are invisible to the naked eye.
- If a lesion appears suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. This is a simple, in-clinic procedure under local anaesthetic.
- Detailed medical notes are recorded to support monitoring and follow-up.
Features Seen Under Dermatoscopy
With dermatoscopy, we can detect subtle changes beneath the skin’s surface that are invisible to the naked eye, including:
- Irregular pigment networks suggesting abnormal growth
- Atypical dots, globules, or streaks
- Blue-white veil or structures
- Unusual vessel patterns
- Areas of regression or scarring within a mole
These features help us differentiate suspicious spots from potential cancers, allowing earlier and more accurate detection while reducing unnecessary biopsies. Identifying these signs early can make all the difference to your treatment and long-term outcomes.
Why It Matters
- Over 60% of melanomas appear on normal-looking skin, not existing moles.
- Many cancers are detected at the clinic before patients to patients at the time.
- Early detection by a specialist means cancers are found at the earliest and most treatable stage – leading to better outcomes and peace of mind.
Want to learn more about melanoma warning signs? Visit our Education &
Resources section for simple guides and photo examples.