Know What to Look For
Asymmetry and Border
Look for moles where one half does not match the other, or edges that are ragged, blurred, or irregular rather than smooth and even.
Colour and Diameter
Uneven colouring — shades of brown, black, red, or white — or any spot larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) warrants a check.
Evolving
Any spot that changes in size, shape, or colour — or starts bleeding, itching, or crusting — should be reviewed by your GP promptly.
After Your Appointment
If Everything Looks Fine
Your GP will advise how often to return based on your skin type, history, and sun exposure. High-risk patients are placed on a recall schedule — we contact you when your next check is due.
If Something Needs Attention
Depending on findings, your GP may monitor a lesion at a follow-up visit, perform a biopsy or minor excision at the practice, or refer you to a dermatologist or skin surgeon for specialist care.
What is Skin Checks?
A skin check is a thorough, systematic examination of all your skin — from your scalp to the soles of your feet. Your GP uses a dermatoscope, a magnifying device with polarised light, to examine individual moles and lesions closely. This allows for much more accurate assessment than the naked eye alone. At Flagstone Family Practice, skin checks are performed by experienced GPs and are recommended annually for most adults.
Who Is This For?
Adults who have not had a skin check in the past 12 months
Anyone with a personal history of skin cancer or melanoma
People with fair skin, many moles, or freckling
Anyone with a family history of melanoma or skin cancer
Patients who have had significant sun exposure over their lifetime
Anyone who has noticed a new, changing, or unusual spot
What We Cover
Full body skin examination — head to toe, including scalp, between toes, and areas often missed
Dermoscopy — magnified assessment of individual moles and lesions
Identification of melanoma, BCC, SCC, and actinic keratoses
Monitoring plan for borderline or low-risk lesions
Biopsy or minor excision for suspicious lesions (subject to GP assessment)
Referral to dermatologist or skin surgeon for complex cases
Recall scheduling for high-risk patients