Skin Cancer
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, which puts us all at high risk.
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer. It can be very subtle and difficult to diagnose, so if you have any concerns about a mole or changing spot on your skin, get it checked early.
Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are more common and have the potential to be fatal or disfiguring if not treated early.
Each type of skin cancer has its challenges, however, with all types, early detection and effective skin cancer treatment is important – something our team, led by Dr Stanway, understands and has experience in.
Skin Cancer Checks
A skin check needs to be more than just having a quick look. Skin cancers show early changes at a dermatoscopic level. Dermoscopy uses magnification and polarised light to see details in the pigment patterns of the mole. It is a technique that requires years of training and experience to perfect, which is why a highly trained, experienced dermatologist can detect the subtle signs and remove dangerous skin cancers early.
Dr Stanway has many years of specialist training, specifically in conditions of the skin, and in the detection and removal of skin cancers.
Our skin cancer checks involve a full top-to-toe examination of the skin, with all lesions of concern examined dermoscopically. We will also take photographs as these are needed for further comparison. Biopsies are usually performed on the day if required.
Mole and Lesion Surgery
Dr Amy Stanway, a trained surgeon, has an exceptionally high rate of complete excision and an excellent cosmetic outcome.
The surgery will be done on site in one of our purpose-built surgical theatres, which come with engineered air-conditioning and air purifying systems, specialist lights, and the best equipment and surgical materials to ensure you get the quality outcome you deserve.
Skin Cancer Detection Advice
Melanoma is one of the hardest skin cancers to detect because the change in a mole can be subtle. Although skin cancer can occur anywhere, it is most likely to occur where you have been frequently exposed to the sun or sunburnt in the past.
There are checklists available to help people identify which of their moles are most likely to be cancerous. The ABCDE guide is one of the most common and easiest to remember when checking your own moles at home.
If you have a mole displaying any of the following features, please talk to us about getting a skin cancer check:
ASYMMETRY: One part of a mole or birthmark doesn't match the other.
BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.
COLOUR: The colour is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
DIAMETER: The mole is larger than other moles on your skin.
EVOLVING: The mole is changing in any way.