How to get moles checked?? Where to go...

[Sweet Bliss]

I have loads and loads of moles and sun spots that really darkened during pregnancy and I gained loads more, and I am quite worried about some of them. I showed my GP who just glanced at a few and said they were all fine because she didn't consider them that dark. But I didn't think they had to always be dark to be a melanoma etc. Nearly all my spots and uneven edges etc, so I have no idea how I can keep a check on them all....and to top it off, every where i look i keep hearing stories about skin cancer and it feels like there are lots of signs telling me to do something about it!

Has anyone else gone to a private clinic to get them checked? Do you know how much it costs and what do they do to keep a check on them etc???

[Lolli]

Hi SB,

There are publicly funded (you claim the whole cost on Medicare) skin cancer clinics in most major cities. Where abouts are you? Maybe try a Google or yellow Pages search for skin cancer clinics. They'll do a thorough visual check and use a magnifier on any dodgy ones, and double check any that need investigating- either burning off small sun spots or removing moles.

HTH

[Indadhanu]

If you find a skin check clinic they usually (the ones I know of anyway) bulk bill their checks, and a lot operate within a medical practice, so maybe ring a few local surgeries and see if they operate a skin check clinic?

[Sweet Bliss]

Really! Thanks girls, I had no idea, I was expecting that I would have to fork out a huge sum of money, and I was worried that I would be pushed into removing moles just so they can make money. We are in regional vic, but I would be happy to go to Melbourne if I have to!

[Willow]

I'm going to be a downer and recommend that you go to a skin specialist instead.

I've seen and heard too many horror stories from those 'skin cancer clinics'. You should see the scar my MIL has on her back... looks like someone took to her with an axe, seriously.

I'm waiting till after I have bub and then getting a referral to a dermatologist.

[Lolli]

I've seen and heard too many horror stories from those 'skin cancer clinics'. You should see the scar my MIL has on her back... looks like someone took to her with an axe, seriously.

.

Yipes- really? That's a bit scary. I only know a few people who have been to one particular one and they raved about how great it was.

[Sweet Bliss]

So, if I got referred to a specialist would medicare cover part of the cost???? I have been googling and can't find anything nearby, so will speak with my GP I think...

[*Ash*]

I have had 2 skin cancers on my face. Both times, I noticed them. Both times, they were biopsied. With the first one, a GP removed it. With the second one, just recently, I had a plastic surgeion remove it. I still have the stitches in. The PS has done an amazing job and I am not at all worried about having a big ugly scar.

I see a GP who has a lot of experience with skin cancer patients. However, some GP's don't have these skills. If something is sus, you should have a biopsy. I always get a second opinion. So, if my GP has said he isn't concerned, I also go to my local Skin Cancer Clinic and have them check too. There are also some great web sites that show pictures of skin cancers and moles, and help you to identify what may be sus. But, if you are ever concerned, have the mole/spot/whatever checked.

Basically, you need to find someone that you can trust. It may take a few different appointments to find that someone, whether it be a skin cancer clinic or a GP or a dermatologist. I trust my GP's opinion but I am still proactive enough to get a second opinion sometimes.

I would also recommend seeing a plastic surgeon if you do need something large removed or something removed from your face. The GP who removed my first skin cancer did a bit of a hack job.

All the best...