What happens at a skin check?

A skin check is a comprehensive check of the entire skins surface, performed to identify possible skin cancers. After taking a history to assess your risk of skin cancer you will be given a moment to undress down to your underwear before lying on the examination bed; a sheet or blanket is provided for your comfort. The doctor will then examine your skin, including the palms of your hands, soles of your feet and your scalp, using a dermatoscope to check any marks, moles or freckles. Once completed and you have dressed the doctor will discuss any areas of concern that they have identified.

What is a dermatoscope?

A dermatoscope is a specialised illuminated magnifying glass which allows the doctor to assess the patterns and colours of any marks, moles or freckles in detail. It is these details which can provide clues to the presence of skin cancer.

What happens if you find a skin cancer during a corporate skin check?

If the doctor finds a skin cancer during a corporate skin check, they will record the spot in question and provide written documentation detailing the location and possible diagnosis. It is the employees/patient’s responsibility to then seek further treatment. They will be provided with links to local skin cancer doctors who they can approach, of they can visit their GP.

What happens at a biopsy and why might I need one?

A biopsy involves taking a small sample of skin which is sent away for testing to gain an accurate diagnosis so appropriate definitive treatment can be planned. A small amount of local anaesthetic is used to ensure you feel no discomfort. After checking the area is numb, it is cleaned with an antiseptic solution then a small circular sample of skin is taken before being closed the with one small stitch which will be removed 7-14 days later.

Results are typically available within 1 week.

What happens if I need a skin cancer removed?

It is common for some skin cancers to be removed without a biopsy as they are clearly identifiable or need to be removed in full for complete analysis. In this case the doctor will mark out the skin cancer using a skin pen before injecting local anaesthetic to numb the area. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic agent before the skin cancer is removed and the skin is closed with stitches before a dressing is applied. The stitches will be removed 7-14 days later.

The removed cancer is sent for testing and results are typically available within 1 week.