- (07) 5681 1585
- [email protected]
- 76-122 Napper road, Parkwood 4214 QLD
At Parkwood Skin Clinic, we understand that seeking a melanoma check or monitoring your skin when you had a previous melanomas can feel overwhelming and emotional. Your health and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to providing thorough, personalised care, using advanced technology to ensure that no detail is overlooked. Whether you’re coming to us for a routine check or follow-up care, you can trust that we will treat you with kindness, respect, and the utmost professionalism. Your journey toward better skin health starts here, and we’re honored to walk it with you.
Your journey for a melanoma check at Parkwood Skin Clinic is designed to be thorough, comfortable, and reassuring. From the moment you step into our clinic, our friendly team will ensure you feel welcomed and supported. During your appointment, our experienced skin cancer doctor will take the time to listen to your concerns, carefully examine your skin using advanced diagnostic tools, and provide clear explanations every step of the way. Whether it’s your first skin check or a follow-up for previous melanomas, we prioritise your peace of mind and work with you to create a personalised care plan. At Parkwood Skin Clinic, your health is our commitment, and we are here to guide you with compassion and expertise.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. While it is less common than other skin cancers, it is more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.
Melanoma is one of the most serious types of skin cancer, but with early detection, it is highly treatable. At Parkwood Skin Clinic, our doctor focuses on identifying melanomas at their earliest stages, when intervention can make the biggest difference. Most melanomas are new lesions, not changes to existing moles, which is why a thorough skin examination is essential. Here’s what you need to know about the types of melanoma and what our doctors look for during your skin check.
This is the most common type of melanoma and typically appears as a flat or slightly raised discolored patch with irregular borders. These lesions often show variations in color, including shades of brown, black, red, or even white. Our skin doctor carefully examines these patches using dermoscopy, looking for asymmetry, uneven pigmentation, and unusual growth patterns. Early identification of superficial spreading melanoma can prevent it from penetrating deeper into the skin.
Nodular melanoma is a more aggressive form of melanoma, often appearing as a raised, firm bump that can be black, blue, or skin-colored. Unlike other types, it may not follow the typical ABCDE rules (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution) of melanoma detection. Our doctors are trained to recognize these fast-growing lesions and may recommend immediate biopsy if a nodular melanoma is suspected. Identifying this type early is critical, as it can spread quickly.
Lentigo maligna melanoma typically develops in areas with significant sun exposure, like the face, and appears as a large, flat, and irregularly pigmented patch. Acral lentiginous melanoma, though rare, occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails and is more common in individuals with darker skin tones. Our doctor pays close attention to these areas, especially for patients with high-risk factors, using advanced diagnostic tools to spot subtle changes that may signal melanoma.
At Parkwood Skin Clinic, we use advanced examination tools to ensure accurate and early melanoma detection
Allows our doctor to view the deeper layers of the skin, enhancing the ability to identify subtle changes that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Provides a comprehensive visual record of your skin, making it easier to detect changes during follow-up appointments. Studies show that up to 60% of melanomas are diagnosed through side-by-side comparisons of skin images, highlighting the importance of these cutting-edge tools in protecting your health.
Tracks changes in individual moles over time, enabling precise comparisons and identification of new or evolving lesions.
– Those with more than 60 moles, as this significantly increases the likelihood of developing melanoma.
-Individuals with more than 40 moles and a personal or family history of melanoma, as their risk is substantially elevated.
-People with more than 40 moles and red hair and/or the MC1R genetic mutation, which are associated with a higher predisposition to skin cancer.
-Patients with more than 40 moles who have undergone an organ transplant, as immunosuppression increases melanoma risk.
-Those carrying the CDKN2A mutation, a genetic marker strongly linked to familial melanoma.
When you visit Parkwood Skin Clinic for your melanoma check, our focus is on providing you with a thorough, meticulous examination process designed to protect your health and give you peace of mind. Using advanced dermoscopy, our doctor carefully examines your skin, focusing on even the smallest details to identify any suspicious lesions that may need further investigation. For patients requiring ongoing monitoring, digitalised mole tracking allows us to detect subtle changes over time, offering an invaluable layer of precision and reassurance.
For high-risk patients, we offer total body photography, creating a detailed visual record of your skin that enables accurate side-by-side comparisons during follow-up visits—a method responsible for detecting up to 60% of melanomas. If a biopsy is necessary, we perform this in-house to provide fast, accurate results, and our team is prepared to guide you through all treatment options, including surgical removal. At every step, our compassionate team is here to support you, ensuring your experience is both professional and comforting.
Q: How often should I get a skin check?
A: For most adults, an annual skin check is recommended. Those with a history of skin cancer or high-risk factors may need more frequent checks.
Q: What should I do if I notice a suspicious mole?
A: Book an appointment immediately. Early evaluation can save lives.
Q: Are skin checks covered by Medicare?
A: Some aspects of skin cancer checks may be covered. Contact us to discuss your options.
At Parkwood Skin Clinic, we believe that excellent care extends beyond medical expertise—it includes creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for our patients. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by a calming atmosphere designed to ease any anxieties. Our modern, thoughtfully designed clinic provides comfortable spaces where you can feel at ease while receiving world-class care. Our friendly and compassionate team is dedicated to ensuring your visit is as stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being in a setting that prioritises comfort and peace of mind.
