Mole Checks, Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment:

 

Southern Cross Affiliated Provider for selected services

Non-registered and referred patients from other practices are welcome.

 

 

New Zealand and Australia have one of the highest rates of Melanoma in the world, as well as a high rate of skin damage from sun exposure resulting in other types of skin cancer.  Farmers, people working outdoors and fair skinned people are the most vulnerable. Early detection of skin cancer provides the best outcomes.

 

Checking moles needs specialised equipment (dermoscopy) along with training and skills to recognise  specific “clues” ( features) in the mole.  Another set of specialised equipment is used to take dermoscopic  photos . Dermoscopes allow doctors to view skin lesions in more detail and hence make better decisions regarding whether they should be removed.

 

At Pegasus Skin Cancer Clinic , full skin checks are offered at an affordable price. Skin examinations take around 30 minutes during which moles are checked using a “Dermoscope”  (Skin Microscope) and specialised photos are taken if needed and kept in the notes for future reference. For the majority of moles , we are able  to differentiate between benign and sinister ones.

Suspicious lesions will be identified and either fully removed or a small biopsy is taken .All samples are sent to the laboratory to complete the diagnosis.  In some cases, the lesion is photographed and a follow up is recommended after six weeks.

 

For a full skin check , please book 30 minutes. (Dr John Dehn or Dr Roger Dehn )

 

A single or few moles can be reviewed during a normal doctor’s consult.

 

Our nurses are very experienced, so at times when they treat you with liquid Nitrogen; they may refuse and direct you to your doctor.

 

John, with an ongoing passion for surgery, has developed, a special interest in skin cancer diagnosis and  management  including different surgical techniques for excision of lesions and closure. John has participated in workshops, courses and conferences in Australia and New Zealand learning from their experience in dermoscopy and different surgical techniques. Also, John has worked in Burwood Hospital Plastic Outpatient Unit.

 

 

For more information on "Excision of Skin Lesions "  Click Here

 

Tips and CLUES to check your skin " Click Here "

 

Melanoma Fact Sheet (from the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand) Click Here

 

Sun Smart  advice and tips about sun protection click here