Skin Cancer Medicine and Surgery - Next Practice Braddon

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so regular skin checks are important. Dr Morgan Sheridan, Dr Deepali Sharma and Dr Eu Jern Tan have a special interest in skin cancer medicine and surgery, and perform skin checks and excisions at Next Practice Braddon.

During a skin check appointment, your GP will review your medical history, family history and other risk factors for skin cancer. A specialised tool called a dermatoscope is used to look closely at any suspicious lesions and spots you're worried about. Photographs of these lesions may also be professionally taken (using DermEngine) so any changes in appearance can be monitored closely and accurately over time.

Types of skin checks:

Full body skin check (long consultation): all areas of the skin are checked. A full body skin check typically involves undressing down to your undergarments — however, you will not be forced to do so if you're not comfortable. Because skin cancer can be found in areas not typically exposed to the sun, it's important to let your doctor know about any lesions that may be covered by clothing.
Spot check (standard consultation): this type of skin check is for the doctor to review one or two specific lesions that you're concerned about.

How do I book a skin check?

You can book either a "Full body skin check" or a "Spot skin check" appointment through HotDoc, or ask our reception staff to book one for you.

How do I prepare for a skin check?

Please come to your appointment wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing sunscreen, make-up, fake tan or moisturiser, as these can obscure the appearance of moles and lesions. You're welcome to bring a support person with you.

Should I have total body photography with my skin check?

Total Body Photography (TBP) is a non-invasive, painless skin imaging service that creates a comprehensive baseline photographic record of your entire skin surface. Using a high-resolution camera, a trained photographer captures approximately 25–30 standardised images covering your whole body, which are then stored securely and used as a reference at future skin checks to detect new, evolving, or suspicious lesions. Each session takes around 10–15 minutes and is conducted separately from your routine skin examination, which your doctor will continue to perform using dermoscopy .

TBP is particularly recommended for patients at higher risk of melanoma, including those with:

many moles (>50-100 moles).
many moles that are unusual looking (large size, varied colours, unusual shapes).
moles on the back that are difficult to see or keep an eye on.
a personal or family history of melanoma.
fair skin that has been severely or repeatedly sunburned.

The key benefits of TBP include:

Early melanoma detection: studies show approximately one-third of melanomas in high-risk patients are diagnosed based on changes identified through TBP
Fewer unnecessary biopsies: by tracking lesions over time, and comparing images side by side, TBP helps distinguish genuinely changing moles from stable, benign ones, reducing unnecessary excisions

Important limitations of TBP:

TBP does not replace a full clinical skin examination with dermoscopy. Your GP will use it as a complementary surveillance tool with your routine skin checks.
Some areas (such as the scalp or genital region) may not be fully imaged, and early melanomas can occasionally resemble benign lesions.
TBP is not currently covered by Medicare, so a private fee will apply.
As full-body photographs form part of your legal medical record, privacy and image security protocols will be in place. You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to your session

For further information on Total Body Photography, please read this information sheet from The Melanoma Institute: https://melanoma.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/MIA22-TOTAL-BODY-PHOTOGRAPHY_update.pdf

What happens if something suspicious is found?

If a suspicious lesion is found, your GP will talk you through the management options. These may include close monitoring of the lesion, treatment with cryotherapy or a medicated cream, an excisional biopsy to determine the diagnosis, or a referral to a dermatologist.

What is involved in a skin cancer excision procedure?

A skin cancer biopsy or excision may be required for suspicious lesions found during a skin check. The GPs at Next Practice Braddon are experienced in performing minor procedures under local anaesthetic in our dedicated procedure room.

Before the procedure, your GP will go through the details of the biopsy or excision with you and answer any questions you may have. Once everything is confirmed, our reception team can schedule a special procedure appointment for you.

Skin cancer excision procedures usually take 30 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, you'll be given wound care instructions, and follow-up appointments will be booked to remove stitches and check dressings. Your doctor can also advise on pain relief options you may wish to take after your procedure.