What to expect

At Skinspots you can choose to see a dermoscopist (nurse who specialises in skin cancer detection) or a doctor for your appointment. The process will be similar in either case, and here’s what to expect.

• Fill out a questionnaire including contact details and skin cancer risk factors.

• Discuss any questions you have about skin cancer or the skin check process.

• You will be asked to remove your clothes (down to your underwear) so your skin check can be carried out. Draping is used to cover the body and only the areas being examined will be exposed. Depending on whether you’re seeing a dermoscopist or a doctor a nurse or healthcare assistant may be present during the examination.

• Your skin will be examined, and suspicious lesions will be assessed using a dermatoscope.

• An overview of body photos is taken and any lesions of interest for records and future comparison. Photos may be taken of specific lesions for records and future comparison.

• If your Skin check is booked with a doctor, they will discuss with you at the time of the appointment any spots that look suspicious and advise you of the treatment options available.  If you require surgery, we usually have short wait times and can get you booked in promptly.

• If your Skin check is booked with a dermoscopy nurse, they will discuss with you any spots that look suspicious and treatment options available.  All our nurse led skin check photos are also reviewed with a doctor, and when required a treatment plan completed.  The nurse will phone you and discuss the outcome of the photo review.

• All patients will have access to a free app to review any photos for future self-monitoring.