Skin Check Process
What is a skin check examination?
It is a screening skin examination done by Dr Rohde using a digital dermatoscope.
An all-over skin check is usually required by individuals at high risk of skin cancer and is advised by Dr Rohde at intervals of 3 - 12 monthly depending on risk and past skin cancer history. This is a surveillance skin check for high-risk patients.
Patients with a past history of melanoma, or at high risk of melanoma, 5 or more larger uneven brown or pink moles (known as dysplastic naevi), more than 50 moles, and a strong family history of melanoma are also given the option to have mole mapping done at Bowral Skin Cancer Clinic.
If you think you have an indication for mole mapping or you elect to have mole mapping surveillance, you will require a baseline mole mapping scan done after a full skin check is done by Dr Rohde.
Mole mapping has the advantage of assisting detection of pigmented new and /or changed moles and spots especially when the individual has more than 50 pigmented and bigger moles. Individuals with a low risk of skin cancer or those wanting to know if they are at risk of skin cancer may also book a skin check usually as a baseline examination as well as mole mapping.
How long does a skin check take?
For all new patients with 50-100 moles and no known concerns, a 20-minute booking is standard.
For new patients with 100 or more moles, a 30-minute appointment is advisable.
If you have an obvious problem such as a changed mole, growth, symptoms, rash etc. Please book a standard 20-minute consultation with Dr Rohde to deal with this and a follow-up surveillance skin check will be booked for you on the day. Regular patients are advised regarding surveillance skin checks and total body mapping intervals by Dr Rohde after the initial examination.
What is involved in a skin check?
Prior to the examination, Dr Rohde will confirm your concerns, and reason for the visit obtain consent for a skin examination, review and clarify your HotDoc booking information and specifically take a relevant medical and skin history. Please provide as much information as possible on HotDoc and paper registration forms.
Skin examination is done using a dermatoscope and involves closely assessing skin, freckles, growths and moles, taking images, measurements, and recordings of these. The doctor may ask about the known history of any findings while examining you.
The doctor follows a routine by examining you lying on your stomach, then on your sides, back and sitting up. Dr Rohde will also examine your scalp, armpits, ears, mouth and eyes. If you have concerns about spots on your private areas, please let the doctor know.
What equipment does the doctor use?
Dr Rohde uses a Microderm digital dermatoscope, to perform a thorough detailed skin examination and relevant recording of clinical findings. Digital dermatoscopy has a special camera providing a detailed image of mole and skin cancer structure.
Do I have to get undressed?
Your choice depends on what you are comfortable with. For a good all-over examination, undressing to underwear is satisfactory. A gown and privacy screen is provided if required. Dr Rode has provided a chair and an area for undressing.
What happens after your examination?
The doctor will record findings while you get dressed and provide information regarding scanned presented, abnormal or suspicious images and appropriate brochures to take home.
What happens if skin cancer is found?
Understandably, this can be stressful. It is reassuring to know that most skin cancer can easily and successfully be treated. Dr Rohde will provide a treatment plan and arrange a prompt follow-up for a biopsy, an excision or a referral depending on clinical indication and consent. Screening skin check intervals will be discussed.
All high-risk individuals will be offered baseline or progress total body mapping a Follow-up booking will be provided for all procedures, mole mapping and procedures.
