Skin Checks
Dr Shamini Wiknesh is a Skin Cancer College Australasia accredited skin cancer doctor, having completed her fellowship in skin cancer in 2019. She also teaches skin cancer management and surgery to other doctors and medical students. Dr Varun Deepak also sees patients for skin checks, including minor excisions and procedures.
What a skin check involves
A full body skin check looks at your skin from head to toe, including areas you don’t normally see yourself. Your doctor examines any spots or moles using a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying tool that lets them look more closely at a lesion’s structure than the naked eye can.
If a spot needs further investigation or removal, our doctors can carry out minor excisions and procedures on site.
Warning signs to look out for
Between checks, it’s worth knowing what changes to watch for in your own skin. The ABCDE guide covers the main warning signs:
- Asymmetry, where one half of a spot looks different from the other
- Border irregularity, an edge that’s blurred or uneven rather than smooth
- Colour that varies within the one spot
- Diameter larger than about 6mm
- Evolving, meaning the spot is changing in size, shape, colour, or texture
A new spot, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a spot that looks different from your others are all worth getting checked too, even if they don’t fit the ABCDE pattern exactly.
How often you should get checked
There’s no single rule for how often every adult needs a professional skin check. Cancer Council Australia recommends checking your own skin regularly and seeing your doctor if you notice any changes. If you’re at higher risk, a full skin examination with photography and dermoscopy every 6 to 12 months may be worth discussing with your doctor.
Skin check cost
A standard skin check consultation is bulk billed. If you need a minor excision or procedure, it’s privately charged depending on the type, and a Medicare rebate applies where eligible.
Booking your skin check
Book through HotDoc, or call the clinic directly. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel. Missed appointments may incur a fee.
