Skin Checks
New Zealand has a very high occurrence of skin cancer and we recommend that both self-checks and regular examinations by medical professionals are vital. This is particularly important for those over the age of 40, when the incidence of skin cancer is higher.
The importance of skin checks
A skin check is important to detect early skin cancer lesions. This enables management of smaller and less serious lesions before they become more dangerous and must be surgically removed. Skin cancer has a high cure rate when it is detected early.
The Skin Company approach:
A diagnosis of skin cancers requires years of training and clinical experience. Dr Sinovich is trained to recognise the many different occurrences and appearances of skin cancers that may present themselves. There are many different types of skin cancers and they can look very different. In addition to an examination, a biopsy may also be performed.
How it works:
A skin check begins with a few questions about your past medical and skin history. This includes whether you have had a skin cancer before, or whether any family member has had a skin cancer and will give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns that you may have regarding your skin.
Our expert equipment includes magnifying loops and a dermatoscope, and photographs are often taken for monitoring purposes. The Skin Company team are highly trained and experienced in skin examinations and can recognise abnormal features quickly and accurately. In the case that a suspicious lesion is found, we will discuss this with you and your options to address and manage the lesion, which may include a biopsy.
Self-Examination:
Knowing your own skin is also very important. Examining your own skin on a three-monthly basis puts you in a very good position to be able to very quickly detect any changes with your skin.
Dr Sinovich will explain how to do this and will assist you in being thorough with your own regular self-examinations. A self-skin examination is very important, particularly if you have fair hair or are over the age of 65, or have a past history of a melanoma.