Having a skin check
Full Skin Examination (FSE)
A full skin check is the mainstay of dermatology practice. It refers to the examination of the patient to look for pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions so that early and effective intervention can take place. As a country, an overwhelming number of us enjoy outdoor sports and leisure pursuits. Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world and this can cause sunburn in as little as 11 minutes on a fine day.
Whilst skin cancer is common in Australia, presently there are no government-based screening recommendations. Ideally, most Australians would attend a yearly full skin examination with either their GP or their dermatologist. More frequent skin checks should occur when a patient has had multiple previous skin cancers, significant sun exposure, is immunosuppressed or has had an organ transplant. The Dermatologists. consulting from The Skin Centre also encourage their patients to regularly examine their own skin so that they can seek medical attention when they notice any new lesions, or when pre-existing lesions grow or change.
The Practitioners operating from The Skin Centre welcome both new and regular patients for their annual full skin check. To make the most of your appointment, the Dermatologists we support suggest the following steps:
Perform a self-examination prior to your appointment – Make a note of any lesions that are troubling you, or that have changed in appearance, to show your Dermatologist.
Remove nail polish from your nails the night before – remember that skin cancers can form in this site and your Dermatologist will want to check your nails as well as in the adjacent web-spaces, the palms, and the soles.
Wear clothing and underwear that can easily be moved to examine all sites – You will need to undress for this examination, so wear something that is both comfortable and practical. You will not be asked to remove your underwear unless you have specific concerns about a lesion in these sites. Should you require a sensitive exam, a chaperone can be made available upon request.
Wear your hair loose – the scalp is heavily sun-exposed and skin cancers can develop in part-lines and on thinning crowns. It is also a site where applying sunscreen may be difficult. Wear your hair loose so that your Dermatologist can properly examine your scalp.
Remove all makeup and attend with freshly cleansed skin – Whilst we all want to look our best, makeup may hide skin cancers on the face, neck and lips. It’s important to come with bare skin so your Dermatologist doesn’t overlook any concealed skin cancers.
Remember that if a suspicious lesion is identified at your appointment, your Dermatologist will offer to biopsy this for you. A biopsy carries a fee outside of the standard consult fee. Your Dermatologist will ensure they have your consent both clinically and financially before any invasive procedure is undertaken. Depending on the type of biopsy taken you will be provided with post-procedural care advice. The results of a biopsy are usually between 5-10 days. Unless agreed otherwise, results will be given to you over the phone or via email.