Thorough skin checks with a dermatoscope for people across Morisset and Lake Macquarie, including spots you cannot see yourself, with monitoring, biopsies and removal available in the clinic. Skin cancer checks attract a fee.
GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Skin cancer checks are a private service at Morisset Doctors.
Tap to see moreReception will confirm the cost before you book.
FeesA full skin check takes more time than a standard visit.
Tap to see moreMention it is a skin check when booking.
Call (02) 4006 8222Over any areas you would like checked.
Tap to see moreIt helps your GP see spots clearly.
What to bringTell your GP about anything that has changed.
Tap to see morePhotos of changes over time help.
Book nowOnline, any hourChoose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
Your GP asks about your history and sun exposure, then examines your skin from head to toe, including the scalp, back and soles of the feet, using a dermatoscope to look closely at moles and spots.
Suspicious spots can be photographed for monitoring, sampled or removed.
It depends on your risk; your GP will advise a recall.
To your underwear, with a gown or sheet, and only with your consent.
If one spot has changed in size, shape or colour, or bleeds or itches, book promptly rather than waiting for a full check.
Your GP will examine it and advise whether to monitor, sample or remove it.
A new spot, or one that changes in size, shape or colour, or bleeds.
Sometimes; otherwise a procedure appointment is booked.
Higher risk includes fair skin that burns, many moles, a history of sunburn, outdoor work, a personal or family history of skin cancer, and older age.
Regular checks plus sun protection are the best approach.
Not routinely, but see a GP about any changing mole.
Yes, and can treat them with freezing.
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and most cases are caused by UV exposure. Found early, most skin cancers can be treated successfully, often with a simple procedure.
Regular checks are especially important for people with fair skin, many moles, a history of sunburn or skin cancer, or outdoor work.
A dermatoscope is a handheld magnifier with a light that lets your GP see patterns beneath the skin surface that are not visible to the naked eye.
It improves the accuracy of skin checks and helps avoid unnecessary removal of harmless spots.
Check your skin every few months in good light, using a mirror for hard-to-see areas or asking someone to help. Include the scalp, ears, soles, between the toes and under the nails.
Look for new spots and changes in existing ones, using the ABCDE guide. Photos on your phone help you compare over time.
Your GP may photograph the spot to monitor it, or recommend a biopsy or removal. Some spots, such as sunspots, can be treated with freezing.
Results and next steps are explained at a follow-up appointment.
Skin cancer checks are a private service at Morisset Doctors and attract a fee. Procedures such as biopsies and excisions also attract a fee.
Some procedure items have a Medicare rebate; reception can explain what to expect.
A simple guide to checking your own skin. Tap each letter to compare a typical mole with one that should be checked. Drag or hover over the moles to turn them. If you notice any of these signs, or anything new or changing, book a skin check.
A common mole is usually round or oval and even on both sides. A spot where one half looks different from the other is worth checking.
Harmless moles usually have a smooth, even border. Ragged, scalloped or poorly defined edges can be a warning sign.
Most moles are one even shade of brown. Several colours, such as black, brown, red, white or blue-grey, or patchy shading should be checked.
Many melanomas are larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) when found, but they can be smaller. Any spot that is growing should be checked.
Change is the most important sign. A spot that grows, changes shape or colour, becomes raised, itches, bleeds or crusts needs a prompt check.
This guide is general information to help you notice changes. It is not a diagnosis; only a doctor can assess a spot.
Most skin cancers are treatable when found early.
Use all five steps together whenever the UV index is 3 or above. Move the UV slider to see what Lake Macquarie days can look like, then tap a card for tips.
Cover as much skin as possible with loose, long-sleeved clothing, collars and closely woven fabric. Swim shirts are great at the beach or pool.
Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher, 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Most adults need about a teaspoon per limb.
Choose a broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket hat that shades the face, ears and neck. Caps leave the ears and neck exposed.
Use trees, umbrellas and shade structures, especially in the middle of the day when UV is usually highest. Shade alone does not block all UV, so combine it with the other steps.
Wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard (category 2, 3 or 4) protect your eyes and the skin around them.
Get to know your skin and look for anything new or changing. If something worries you, book a skin check at Yambo Street.
Test what you know about skin cancer checks. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
You only need to check moles you can see.
Check everywhere, including the scalp, soles and between the toes, or ask someone to help.
Skin cancer can occur in skin not usually exposed to the sun.
Which is why full skin checks look everywhere.
A tan protects you from skin cancer.
A tan is a sign of skin damage.
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
Will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
Moles larger than this, or growing, should be checked.
Broad-spectrum, reapplied every 2 hours.
Protect your skin when 3 or above.
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Sun safety and changing moles.
Regular checks as sun damage adds up.
More frequent checks and sunspot treatment.
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with skin cancer checks. These team members list it among their interests.
Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.
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Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.
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Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
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Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
Book nowA little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
No. Skin cancer checks attract a fee at Morisset Doctors.
Allow a longer appointment.
Yes; procedures attract a fee.
Yes.
Your GP will advise based on your risk.
No.
