What is molecare?

molecare is a very accurate method for the early detection and analysis of malignant melanomas & microscopic skin changes.

molecare is a non-invasive skin cancer screening procedure done using the Molemax II dermatoscope, a high powered digital camera. molecare is staffed by doctors and nurses with a special interest in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

It reduces the need for unnecessary excision of suspicious spots by helping to distinguish between benign and malignant skin changes.

Why should I have a molecare check up?

If you have been sunburnt more than three times, have more than twenty moles or even have freckles you could be a candidate for skin cancer.
molecare stores images of your skin for future comparison, so when you have a molecare review your doctor can immediately identify changes in size, colour or texture to any suspicious spots.

What now?

molecare skin cancer screening takes around half an hour and will help you protect your future health. If your doctor identifies any suspicious skin changes most treatments can be performed at this surgery. Ask a receptionist for an appointment today or see the nurse or your doctor for more information.

For appointments phone Broadwater Medical Centre: 08 97 543 700

What can you do about skin cancer?

Firstly slip, slop, slap!!!

Always wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ and make sure you reapply it regularly.

Cover up when you are outdoors, even on overcast days, by wearing long sleeved loose clothing.
Wear a wide brimmed hat.
Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Don’t sun bake.
Try to find some shade at the beach – or better still take an umbrella.

What else?

Regularly examine your skin for changes – include areas that aren’t exposed to the sun.

Things to look for:
• A crusty non-healing sore
• A small lump which may be a red, pale or even pearly colour.
• Any new spots
• Freckles, moles or other skin spots which are changing colour or shape over several weeks or months.

If you notice any of the above signs or symptoms you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Anything else?

Have your first molecare skin cancer check and then come back for a review even if you haven’t noticed any changes your self. Your doctor will let you know how often to come back during your first appointment. Usually every 12 months is fine.

 

Links

The Australian Cancer Council Website

What does molecare look for?

A molecare skin check is designed to identify suspicious skin changes including pre-cancerous sun damage known as solar keratoses and basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas which are all types of skin cancer.
molecare skin checks are performed by doctors who have undergone special training in skin cancer detection and using the Molemax II dermatoscope, a very high powered digital camera.

Using their training and the magnification powers of the Molemax II dermatoscope, the doctor performing your molecare check up can identify suspicious skin changes before they are visible to the naked eye. Images from a molecare skin check are stored on computer so that when you have a molecare review or if you think a spot has changed we can compare the stored images with new ones and quickly identify any suspicious changes.

Sun Damaged Skin

Solar Keratoses

These are spots of skin that are inflamed, scaly and dry. Common sites include the bridge of the nose, cheeks, upper lip and backs of the hands. Skin cancer (squamous cell) can develop in solar keratoses.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia with two out of every three Australians developing skin cancer at some time in their life.

There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma

This is the most common and least dangerous skin cancer. It appears as a lump or scaling area, and can be red, pale or pearly in colour. It grows slowly - usually on the head, neck or upper torso - and can become ulcerated as it grows.

Squamous cell carcinoma

These cancers grow over a period of weeks or months, and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. They occur most often (but not only) on areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, hands and forearms. These cancers look like thickened, red scaly spots.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Each year, 700 Australians die from this disease. Melanoma is a particularly virulent form of skin cancer that is caused by sunburn during our early years. It develops over weeks to months and, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body, causing more serious and often fatal cancers.