DETECTING MELANOMA AND SKIN CANCER

Q: When would a biopsy be required?

Most skin lesions can be diagnosed without needing a biopsy but for some lesions a biopsy will be needed to check for cancer. A biopsy is also needed when the specific type, or subtype, of cancer needs to be confirmed prior to final treatment.

Monitoring skin to detect changes

To treat a skin cancer, you first have to find a skin cancer. From dermoscopy and digital imaging to full body photograpy, here's how we detect, record and monitor skin cancers.

Not all melanomas look like melanomas, many are only detected because they are changing. Regular skin imaging plays an important role in detecting new and changing moles whilst reducing avoidable skin biopsies.

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Detecting skin cancer

Your skin can be assessed in many different ways to detect melanoma and skin cancer and minimise unnecessary biopsies.

In addition to dermatoscopy and digital imaging, we are very excited to be able to offer our patients the first privately available ultra-high definition VECTRA 3D Total Body Photography (TBP) skin cancer imaging system in south-east Queensland.

Learn more about 3D TBP

Dermatoscopy

Dermatoscopes see through the reflective upper layer of the skin, often using cross- polarised light. It has become the most important way of diagnosing skin cancer.

The doctors at SunLife have the training and experience to do this well and it is used extensively in all skin checks.

Digital Imaging

Digital and dermatoscopic images of skin lesions have multiple uses in skin cancer care including monitoring lesions, pre-biopsy record or learning.

At SunLife, the storage of your digital images is integrated into your patient file and one click away for easy access for your doctor to review.

Vectra 3D Imaging

Focused on diagnosing melanoma, 3D imaging works by recognising changing and unchanging lesions using artificial intelligence (AI) and visual comparison. Your doctor uses this information in combination with your skin check to improve early identification of melanoma and reduce unnecessary biopsies.

FAQ's

Questions about skin cancer detection

When would a biopsy be required?

How important is early detection of skin cancer?

Most skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early. Additionally, when detected early, it is more likely they can be treated by non-surgical methods, less invasive procedures or with smaller excisions. Late detection of skin cancer, or a skin cancer that is growing quickly and not treated promptly, is always a concern and carries a higher risk of complications and even death.

Do I need 3D Imaging?

The value of 3D Imaging is different for each individual. Higher risk patients, especially those with many moles, will get the most benefit. These patients may be offered annual or 6 monthly repeat imaging to screen for changes.

Lower risk patients may benefit from "baseline" images that are repeated less frequently but are useful to visually check for change either at skin checks or at home.

People at the lowest risk and with very few skin lesions are less likely to get value out of 3D total body photography.

Your doctor will be able to help you with any questions.

How to book

Here's the next steps to book your appointment:

Step 1

Book Online or phone our Care Centre to book your appointment

Step 2

What to wear? Coming from work? Wearing make-up? Get the most out of your visit and know what to expect. Read our Patient Info page so we can help you prepare.

Step 3

Once you are booked and prepared, come along to SunLife for your appointment.

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MELANOMA DETECTION

Full body skin cancer screening the latest in skin cancer detection

Full body skin cancer screening is revolutionising the detection of melanoma and skin cancer. The most advanced skin scanner available today, 3D imaging helps doctors at SunLife to image, map, detect and monitor skin conditions and skin cancers. This means patients can be diagnosed and treated sooner.

This state-of-the-art technology is an exciting step forward in the fight against skin cancer, especially for regions such as our beautiful Sunshine Coast, which has been dubbed ‘the melanoma capital of the state'.

Learn more about 3D TBP

We look forward
to seeing you soon.

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