Skin Check FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Appointment

Everyone can benefit from having their skin examined, but regular skin checks are especially important if you:

• Have fair skin (Fitzpatrick skin types I or II)

• Spend a lot of time outdoors

• Have had frequent sunburns

• Have many moles

• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer

• Notice a new or changing spot

How often should I have a skin check?

For most adults, a skin check every 12 months is appropriate. People at higher risk may benefit from checks every 3 to 6 months, depending on their individual risk factors and your doctor’s recommendation.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book a skin check directly without a referral.

What happens during a skin check?

Your doctor will examine your skin from head to toe using a specialised magnifying instrument called a dermatoscope. This allows structures beneath the skin surface to be seen that are invisible to the naked eye.

If you have a concerning spot, your doctor may recommend taking a photograph, monitoring it over time, performing a biopsy, or arranging treatment.

Do I have to remove all my clothes?

A complete skin examination is the most effective way to detect skin cancer early. You will usually be asked to undress to your underwear while remaining appropriately covered with a gown. Only the area being examined is exposed at any one time.

If there are areas you prefer not to have examined, simply let your doctor know.

How long does a skin check take?

Most skin checks take around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of moles and whether photographs or procedures are required.

Is a skin check painful?

No. A routine skin examination is completely painless.

If a biopsy is needed, local anaesthetic is used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. Avoid heavy makeup if you have facial lesions you would like examined, and remove nail polish if you are concerned about lesions under the nails.

What is mole mapping?

Mole mapping uses specialised photography to record your moles and monitor them over time. It is particularly valuable for people with many moles or those at increased risk of melanoma.

What is AI mole mapping?

Modern systems such as VECTRA create a three-dimensional image of your skin and use artificial intelligence to identify new or changing lesions between visits. This technology helps monitor the entire skin surface and supports earlier detection of suspicious changes.

AI does not replace an experienced doctor—it provides another layer of information to assist clinical assessment.

What if you find something suspicious?

Not every suspicious-looking spot is skin cancer. If further assessment is needed, your doctor may:

• Photograph the lesion

• Monitor it over time

• Perform a biopsy

• Remove it completely

• Refer you for specialised treatment if necessary

Most skin cancers can be treated very successfully when detected early.

Can skin cancer occur without symptoms?

Yes. Many early skin cancers do not itch, bleed or cause pain. In fact, some of the earliest melanomas produce no symptoms at all, making regular skin checks particularly important.

Can people with darker skin get skin cancer?

Yes. Although the risk of sun-related skin cancers is lower in darker skin types, melanoma and other skin cancers can still occur. No skin type is completely immune.

The bottom line

Regular skin checks are one of the most effective ways to detect skin cancer early, when treatment is simpler and outcomes are generally excellent. If you notice a new, changing or unusual spot—or if it’s simply been a while since your last examination—consider arranging a professional skin check.

Dr Colin McTari

Skin Cancer Doctor | Brisbane