Frequently Asked Questions

The recommended frequency of skin checks depends on your individual skin type, history and risk factors. If you have a history of skin cancer, multiple moles or significant sun exposure, your doctor may recommend regular skin checks. Your doctor can advise you on a suitable schedule based on your individual needs.

A skin check involves examining your skin for suspicious moles, spots and other changes. Your doctor will assess areas of concern and may recommend monitoring, further investigation or treatment if required.

A mole check involves examining moles and pigmented spots for changes or features that may require further assessment. If a mole appears suspicious, your doctor may recommend monitoring, a biopsy or removal depending on the findings.

If a suspicious spot is identified during your examination, your doctor will discuss the findings with you and recommend the most appropriate next step. This may include monitoring the area, taking a biopsy or removing the lesion.

A skin biopsy involves taking a small sample of skin from a suspicious area for examination by a pathology laboratory. The results help your doctor determine whether further treatment is required.

A skin excision involves removing a suspicious or confirmed skin cancer along with an appropriate margin of surrounding skin. The procedure is generally performed using local anaesthetic, and the removed tissue is sent for pathology.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment used for selected areas of sun-damaged skin and certain superficial skin lesions. A specialised treatment is applied to the affected area and activated with light. Your doctor will determine whether PDT is appropriate for your skin.

Solar keratoses, also known as actinic keratoses, are areas of sun-damaged skin that can appear as rough, scaly or crusty spots. They commonly occur on areas exposed to the sun and can sometimes develop into skin cancer, so assessment and appropriate treatment are important.

Efudix and Aldara are prescription creams used to treat selected areas of sun-damaged skin, including actinic keratoses. Your doctor will assess your skin and determine whether either treatment is suitable for you, as well as provide instructions for use.

You should consider having a spot or mole assessed if it is new, changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding, crusting, itching or otherwise looks unusual. If you are concerned about a spot or mole, a professional skin assessment can help determine whether further investigation is needed.