A thorough assessment of your skin involves a detailed history about your previous skin problems and risk factors for skin cancer as well as a careful examination under good lighting and with the aid of a dermatoscope.

A dermatoscope is a type of hand held skin microscope which increases the detection of early skin cancers by about 30%. A skin check can be performed for anyone who is concerned about their skin. Based on this assessment your doctor can advise you on your relative level of risk for developing skin cancers and make recommendation about how often you should have your skin checked. People with risk factors for skin cancer (age 40 yrs, a family history or personal history of skin cancers, a history of significant sun exposure, fair skin that burns easily, multiple moles, previous radiotherapy or organ transplant) are recommended to have a full skin check.

Treatment options for skin cancer continue to develop and now in addition to surgical methods some skin cancers may be suitable for treatment with various prescription creams.

Cryotherapy which involves treatment with liquid nitrogen is an old treatment modality which still has a place in the treatment of some pre-cancerous lesions. If a skin biopsy or definitive surgical treatment is necessary then Pioneer Health has 5 fully equipped minor theatres in which these can be performed. Several of our doctors are skilled in skin surgery and have regular surgical lists in the rooms each week. The majority of skin cancers therefore can be treated with the most advanced therapies right here in the comfortable surroundings of the Pioneer clinic. A smaller number of high risk cancers can be referred as necessary to specialised dermatologists or plastic surgeons who visit Albany or in Perth.