Skin Cancer Checks

Doctors at 4D Skin Clinic are accredited by the Skin Cancer College of Australasia and specialise in skin cancer medicine and surgery. Our highly-qualified doctors provide comprehensive skin cancer checks and examinations using the latest technologies.

We welcome GP referrals, however, patients can attend without a referral. We are an open access clinic and are committed to providing thorough skin cancer checks to residents of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and the Hunter Valley.

We check your skin from head to toe, looking for any suspicious skin lesions using dermoscopy, this helps detect skin cancer at its earliest stages.

Dermoscopy is a skill that requires experience. Lesions do not always appear as they are. Regular skin checks lead to early detection of skin cancer, this gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment. 

At 4D Skin Clinic, we are experts in diagnosing and treating skin cancer for residents of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and Hunter Regions. We take pride in ensuring your skin is as healthy as possible.

Everyone who comes in for a Skin Cancer check is entitled to a complimentary skin consultation with one of our highly qualified cosmetic nurses.

How much does a skin check cost?

We are a privately-billing clinic. The cost for a standard skin check is $135-175, depending upon the complexity of your skin and your medical history. If you hold a valid Medicare card, the out-of-pocket costs will be approximately $95-100. Any additional treatments or biopsies incur a further cost.

Aged Pension Card holders are billed at a reduced rate of $80 -115 for a standard skin check, whereby the out-of-pocket cost is approximately $40. Biopsies are at no additional out-of-pocket cost for pensioners.

DVA patients (gold / valid white cards) are seen for a skin check with no out-of-pocket cost.

Everyone who comes in for a Skin Cancer check is entitled to a complimentary skin consultation with one of our highly qualified cosmetic nurses.

How often should I get a skin check?

Annually unless otherwise advised by your skin cancer doctor.

What age should I start getting skin checks?

You should have a skin check at any age when you see something on your skin that you are unsure about. Most people start getting skin checks in their 20’s.

What qualification do the Doctors at 4D have to enable them to accurately diagnose skin cancer?

The doctors at 4D are accredited by the Skin Cancer College of Australasia and specialise in skin cancer medicine and surgery.

How long does a skin check take?

Your skin check appointment usually takes around 20 minutes from start to finish.

Do I have to get undressed?

Yes, for us to be able to properly examine your skin, we ask that you are down to underwear for the skin check.

Can I wear moisturiser, makeup, deodorant, fake tan and nail polish?

It is OK to wear moisturiser and deodorant. We do ask that you do not wear nail polish, makeup or fake tan to your appointment as this can prevent us from being able to check your skin (and nails) properly.

What happens if the Doctor finds something that could be a skin cancer?

If a suspicious lesion is detected during your skin check, your doctor will either take a small sample ( biopsy ), or completely cut out ( excise ) the suspicious lesion, under local anaesthetic. In most cases another appointment will be made to remove the lesion of concern. This type of minor surgery can be carried out at the clinic and there is usually no need for this to be done in a hospital.

After the suspicious lesion is removed or biopsied, it is sent to a pathology laboratory for testing. Receiving the test results can take from one to several days.

In the majority of cases, when found early, skin cancer can be easily and successfully treated with minor surgery. Most skin cancers are cured once they are removed. Other non surgical treatments such as creams, radiotherapy, or light therapy may be used, but this will depend on the type of skin cancer found.

What are the most common types of skin cancer?

BCC or Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common, this type of cancer doesn’t generally spread but will grow larger if untreated. SCC or Squamous Cell Carcinoma can be more serious as it has the potential to spread to Lymph Glands. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanomas can arise anywhere on the body and can spread via the bloodstream.