Get The Best Screening At Skin Cancer Clinic Sydney

What Is A Skin Cancer Screening?

Skin cancer screening is a visual exam of the skin that is done by yourself or a Healthcare provider, visit Sundoctors.com.au if you are searching for the best skin cancer clinic Sydney. This screening checks the skin for birthmarks, moles and other marks that are unusual in size, colour, shape or texture. Certain unusual marks can be signs of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer; these rarely spread to other parts of the body and are usually curable with treatment. A third type is called Melanoma. Melanoma is less common than the other two, but is more dangerous because it is more likely to spread. Many skin cancer deaths are caused by Melanoma. Skin cancer screening can help find cancer in its earliest stages, when it is easy to treat.

What Is It Used For? 

Skin cancer screening is used to find out signs of skin cancer. It is not used to diagnose cancer. If skin cancer is suspected after a screening a test called a biopsy is needed to find out whether you have cancer. 

Why Is Skin Cancer Screening Required? 

You may require skin cancer screening if you have certain risk factors. Risk factors include having

  •     Light skin tone
  •     Blond or red hair
  •     Light coloured eyes
  •     Skin that burns and freckles easily
  •     History of sunburns
  •     Family or personal history of cancer
  •     Frequent exposure to Sun
  •     Large number of moles

Consult your Healthcare provider about whether you should regularly screen yourself, get screened at a provider’s office or you can do both. 

If you are screening yourself, you may get screened by a Health Care provider if you find signs of skin cancer during a self exam. Signs vary depending on type of skin cancer.

What Happens During A Skin Cancer Screening? 

Skin cancer screenings and be done by yourself or by your primary care provider or a Dermatologist. Dermatologist is a doctor who specialises in disorders of the skin. If you are screening yourself, you need to do a head to toe exam of your skin. The exam should be done in a well lit room in front of a full-length mirror. You also require a hand mirror to check areas that are hard to see. 

If you’re getting screened by a Dermatologist or other Health Care provider it includes the following steps –

  • You will remove all your clothing but you can wear a gown. If you are uncomfortable being undressed in front of your provider, you can demand a nurse in the room with you, during the exam.
  • Your provider will give you a head to toe exam, also your scalp, behind your ears, fingers, toes, buttocks and genitals. The exam can be embarrassing but it’s important to get checked as skin cancer can occur anywhere on the skin.
  • Your provider uses a special magnifying glass with the light to look at certain marks. The exam may take 10 to 15 minutes.

There is no risk of having a skin cancer screening. Anmol or a lesion on your skin looks like it may be a sign of Cancer, your provider will probably order another test called skin biopsy to make a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer you can begin the treatment. Finding and treating cancer at an early stage may prevent the disease from spreading.