What to Expect During Your Visit to a Skin Cancer Doctor

Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, and early detection and prevention is a major national health focus. If you are worried about a suspicious mole, or you simply want peace of mind, a skin cancer doctor will help you protect your skin and general health.
In this article we will outline what skin cancer doctors do, when to visit them, and what to expect for your consultation.

What is a skin cancer doctor?

A skin cancer doctor is a qualified health professional that is qualified to identify and treat skin cancers. They may be:
A General Practitioner (GP) who has a special interest in skin cancer detection,
A Dermatologist who treats various skin conditions including skin cancer,
A Surgeon who performs excisions and reconstruction for skin cancer.
Skin cancer doctors are trained to identify different skin cancers, including common skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma, as well as more serious skin cancer such as melanoma.

When should you see a skin cancer doctor?

You should book a consult with a skin cancer doctor if you notice:
A new mole or spot that appears different to you
Any change in size, shape or colour in a mole you already had,
A sore that does not heal, and/or
A spot that itches, bleeds

Those identified as high-risk groups include:
- sunburn or tanning bed-use history
- fair skin, freckles and light-coloured eyes
- family or personal history of skin cancer
- many moles or atypical moles
If you belong to one of these groups, regular checks should take place.

What Happens In A Skin Cancer Check?

Seeing a skin cancer doctor is very easy and is a non-invasive experience. Here is what generally happens:
Review of Medical History
You will be asked about your family history, lifestyle, how much sun you get, and any history of skin problems.
Skin Check / Full Body Skin Examination
The doctor will check your entire skin, from head to toe. The doctor may use a dermatoscope (a magnified view) to obtain a closer look at moles and lesions.
Possible Spot Biopsy
If the doctor finds something of concern, the doctor can take a sample of your skin for laboratory testing.
Treatment/Referral
If cancer (s) are found, the doctor will refer you for treatment, which may include surgical excision or non-invasive management.
Most appointments will only take 15-30 minutes. You may also be bulk billed, depending on your clinic and type of eligibility for billing.

Why is This Important?

Seeing a skin cancer doctor can make all of the difference. Here’s why:
Early diagnosis saves lives – the earlier melanoma is diagnosed, the more treatable it is.
How to Choose the Right Doctor for Skin Cancer
When choosing your doctor, think about:
Qualifications and experience treating and diagnosing skin cancer
Reputation of the practice and patients' experiences
Access to technology like mole mapping or dermoscopy
Access to convenient location and whether they bulk bill
When looking for a doctor, try to find a skin cancer clinic or a GP with advanced training in skin cancer.

Common Types of Treatment

If skin cancer is agreed, the main treatment options are:
Surgery and excision — this is the most common and effective treatment
Cryotherapy — this involves freezing off the precancerous lesion
Topical creams — effective treatment for early superficial cancers
Photodynamic therapy — based on light for some conditions
There will be no one treatment for skin cancer as it will depend on the cancer type, size and location.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, especially in regions with high sun exposure like Australia. Detecting skin cancer early can significantly improve treatment outcomes, making regular visits to a skin cancer doctor essential. But what exactly does a skin cancer doctor do, and how do you know when it’s time to see one?
A skin cancer doctor is a medical professional specialized in identifying and treating various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. These specialists use advanced tools and techniques to examine your skin thoroughly, often catching suspicious spots before they develop into serious issues.
Whether you notice a new mole, a changing spot, or simply want a professional check-up, booking an appointment with a skin cancer doctor can provide peace of mind and protect your health. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about seeing a skin cancer doctor.

Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer

Your skin cancer doctor may make these recommendations:
Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen every day
Avoid being in direct sun or UV radiation in the middle of the day
Wear clothes and hats to protect your skin
Wear sunglasses that block UV rays
Visit a health professional WHO provides skin checks /has skin cancer prevention services once a year

Check your skin with at least a monthly frequency

In summary

If you've found something strange on your skin, or you simply want to stay on top of your skin health, seeing a skin cancer doctor is one of the best decisions you will ever make! Regular skin checks are quick, painless, and has potential for life saving outcomes.