Skin Check

The most effective management for skin cancer is early detection and treatment

Some risk factors for skin cancer are:

• Skin cancer history in family
• Multiple sunburns includes burns from UV devices/welding
• Fair skin
• Moles or precancerous skin lesions (eg solar keratosis)
• Sunny climates like New Zealand and Australia
• Recreational and professional outdoor activities without sun protection

We have skin checks covered at MySkin

Full Body Skin Check

• Head to toe skin check with 10x magnification dermlite
• Photos with 30 x magnification if required
• Body Mapping Photography by qualified Dermoscopist
• Dermoscopist consultation with Skin Doctor if required

Skin Doctor Consult

• Check of up to 3 lesions by skin Doctor.

Mobile/Offsite Skin Checks

• Minimum 6 people

Minor Surgery Onsite

• To be quoted at the time of consultation

Skin Cancer

If you were to draw a cross through the centre of a spot you would expect to see a mirror image in each quarter of the spot.  In case of skin cancer, spots will not look the same on both sides.

ABCDE Rules of pigmented skin lesions

	Asymmetry The Shape of a melanoma is often uneven and asymmetrical, unlike a mole which is usually round and even
	Border The border of edges of a melanoma are often ragged, notched or blurred. A mole has a smooth and well defined edge.
	Colour The colour (pigmentation) of a melanoma is often not uniform.  There maybe 2-3 shades of brown or black. A mole usually has one uniform colour.
	Diameter The size of a melanoma is usually larger than 6mm and it continues to grow. However, they can sometimes be smaller than this.
	Evolve Any changes in size, shape, colour, elevation or any new symptoms such as bleeding itching or crusting may be due to a melanoma.

EFG Rules for Non Pigmented lesions

Elevated - Raised lesion from the Skin
Firm - Pinch between fingertips, feels solid and or firm
Growing - Getting bigger

Early Detection is your Best defence against Skin Cancer

Definition of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which develops in the deep layers of the skin from cells called Melanocytes.

The melanocytes produce a dark pigment called melanin. This gives the skin a darker colour when present in higher quantities.

In people with less melanin, those with light skin tones, the UV radiation is readily absorbed increasing the risk of damage to the molecular structure of the skin cells. These changes can create uncontrolled growth of the skin cells. This uncontrolled growth is melanoma cancer.

Three types of Skin Cancer

• Basal Cell carcinoma which normally occur on areas of sun exposed skin. Most commonly bleed, scab or itch and it is slow growing
• Squamous cell carcinoma develop anywhere on the body. They are more serious and often arise from sun damaged skin, it is usually scaly and maybe tender
• Melanoma can arise anywhere on the body including finger or toe nails, soles of feet, mouth, genital region and areas that have never seen the sun

Reduce the risk of melanoma by avoiding UV exposure and using sun protection. It is vital to Slip Slop Slap Wrap.

Not every spot or mole will cause a problem, but it is still important to stay vigilant. Early detection is ideal.

Remember EFG and SCAN your skin rules.

Get your skin check today

"Skin Check" is a comprehensive assessment and examination of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting New Zealanders and mostly caused by too much exposure to UV radiation.

The first sign of skin cancer is usually the appearance of a new spot or a change in an existing spot or it is sore or abnormal. Full body skin checks increase the chance of finding melanomas and other skin cancers at an early stage. Total body mapping is from head to toe including skin that does not get exposed to the sun.

Any concerning skin spot must be reported to your doctor.

Services at MySkin

• A trained Dermoscopist to examine skin lesions by using a dermatoscope (skin surface microscope)
• Team review of photos taken by the Dermoscopist
• Individual management plan for patients
• PDT treatment
• Minor surgery for the removal of lesions
• No referral required for your skin check and skin services

Early detection of a melanoma can lead to earlier and more effective treatment.

If you have any queries or concerns, please call the MySkin Ltd on (06) 8703773, Monday to Friday 8.30 to 3:00pm.