Frequently Asked Questions — Skin Checks & Treatments
The Elixir @ Hunter clinical team has answered the most common questions about full-body skin cancer checks, dermoscopy, surgical procedures, melanoma care, sun protection, and visiting our purpose-built Maitland clinic.
Standard Medicare rebates apply to all skin checks and consultations without a referral.
Annual full-body checks (or every 6 months for high-risk patients) plus 3–4 monthly self-checks.
Most biopsies and skin cancer excisions are performed under local anaesthetic in our clinic procedure rooms.
3 dedicated rear patient parks (including disabled parking & ramp access) plus High St & oval parking.
1. Skin Cancer Checks, Preparation & Your Appointment
Q1Why is a full-body skin cancer check important?
A full-body skin cancer check involves examining your entire body from head to toe to identify and diagnose any established skin cancers, changing moles, or precancerous lesions that could develop into life-threatening skin cancers.
Regular full-body skin checks by a skilled skin cancer doctor give you the best chance of catching skin cancers early when they are most curable. Book a consultation with our Skin Cancer Clinic Maitland doctors, or read more at Healthdirect: Should I Be Tested for Skin Cancer?
Q2How often should a full-body skin cancer check be done?
Our doctors generally recommend a comprehensive full-body skin check every 12 months, though frequency varies depending on your skin type, age, level of cumulative sun damage, and medical history.
Individuals with minimal sun exposure and few moles may require less frequent checks, whereas anyone who burns easily, has had significant sun exposure, or has a personal or family history of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer requires more frequent monitoring (such as every 6 months).
Q3Do I need to prepare for my skin check?
There is no complex preparation required prior to your skin check. However, we strongly recommend removing all makeup, nail polish, or heavy foundation before your appointment, as cosmetics can obscure subtle pigment changes during dermoscopy. If you need makeup removal wipes on arrival, please ask our friendly reception staff.
Q4What should I expect on the day of my consultation?
For a full-body skin check, you will be asked to undress down to your underwear. We understand this can feel uncomfortable for some patients, so we provide privacy sheets and examine the top and bottom halves of the body separately so you remain comfortable throughout.
With your consent, your doctor may capture high-resolution dermoscopic photographs of specific moles or lesions to store securely in your medical file for serial comparison over time. These magnified images contain no personally identifying features, and you may decline photography at any time.
If a suspicious lesion is identified, a small skin sample (biopsy) may be recommended for pathology testing — your doctor will always explain and discuss this with you beforehand.
Q5Do I need a GP referral to make an appointment?
No — referrals are not required to book a skin cancer check or consultation at Elixir @ Hunter. Standard Medicare rebates apply with or without a referral. View our full fee schedule on our Skin Cancer Treatment Pricing page.
Q6Can you get a skin check or treatment when pregnant?
Yes. During pregnancy, many moles and pigmented lesions naturally darken or change due to pregnancy-related hormones. It is always safest to have any changing spot examined by a doctor trained in skin cancer management. Both dermoscopic skin checks and necessary skin cancer treatments can be performed safely during pregnancy, and potentially dangerous skin cancers such as melanoma should always be treated at the earliest opportunity.
2. Skin Cancer Treatments, Surgery, Location & Accessibility
Q7What treatments are available for skin cancers?
Surgical excision is the most definitive treatment for the majority of skin cancers. Depending on the type and depth of the lesion (such as precancerous solar keratoses or superficial basal cell carcinomas), non-surgical options may include topical prescription creams, oral medications, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (freezing), ablative CO2 laser, or medical light therapy.
Q8Where is skin cancer surgery carried out if required?
Most diagnostic biopsies and surgical skin cancer removals (including complex closures, skin flaps, and skin grafts) are performed under local anaesthetic right here in the two dedicated operating rooms at our custom-built Maitland clinic. Very large, deep, or anatomically complex lesions requiring general anaesthesia are referred to hospital specialists.
Learn more on our About Us page or review procedural costs on our Skin Cancer Treatment Pricing page.
Q9How is melanoma treated?
The primary treatment for melanoma is always complete surgical excision. Whether further investigation is required depends on the microscopic depth (Breslow thickness) of the melanoma. If a melanoma extends beyond a certain depth, sentinel lymph node investigation at a specialised tertiary centre (such as the Melanoma Unit at Calvary Mater Newcastle) may be recommended.
Alongside surgery, major advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies now help the body’s immune system attack advanced melanoma cells. Note that patients with suppressed immune systems (such as those with lymphoma, leukaemia, or taking immunosuppressant medications after organ transplantation) have a higher risk of skin cancer and require close, regular surveillance. For further resources, visit Melanoma Institute Australia.
Q10Where are you located and what parking facilities are available?
We are located at 215 High Street, Maitland NSW 2320, directly opposite the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre / sports ground.
We have three dedicated patient car parks (including an accessible disabled parking bay) at the rear of the building, plus ample roadside parking along High Street and at the sports ground across the road.
Q11Is there disabled / wheelchair access to the premises?
Yes. Full wheelchair access and a dedicated disabled car park are available at the rear of the clinic building. For security and patient safety, the rear entrance door is kept locked — please ring the rear doorbell upon arrival and our reception or nursing staff will assist you immediately.
3. Skin Cancer Risk, Prevention, Self-Examination & Key Facts
Q12Who is at higher risk of developing skin cancer?
Individuals at elevated risk include those with:
- Fair skin that burns easily, freckles, blue or green eyes, and red or fair hair.
- A large total number of moles, very large moles, or multiple irregular/atypical (dysplastic) moles.
- A personal or family history of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer (BCC or SCC).
- High cumulative outdoor UV exposure, outdoor occupations, or a history of blistering sunburns.
If any mole looks suspicious, your doctor can perform a small biopsy or excision so a specialist dermatopathologist can examine the tissue under a microscope.
Q13How dangerous are moles, sun spots, BCC, SCC, and melanoma?
- Sun Spots (Solar / Actinic Keratoses): The most common sun-damaged skin lesions found on sun-exposed areas. Each individual solar keratosis carries a small risk (roughly 1 in 100 to 1 in 200) of progressing into squamous cell skin cancer, and can be treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or prescription topical field creams.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC — ~90% of skin cancers): The most common skin cancer, typically appearing on sun-exposed skin as a pearly pink lump, red patch, or ulcerated/bleeding spot. BCCs rarely spread to other organs and are most effectively cured by surgical excision or curettage (with selected superficial BCCs suitable for topical therapy). Read more at Healthdirect: Basal Cell Carcinoma.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC — ~8% of skin cancers): A more aggressive skin cancer that requires surgical excision and histopathological examination. SCCs can spread (metastasise) if neglected, making early removal essential. Read more at Healthdirect: Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
- Melanoma: Arises from pigment-producing melanocytes and has the potential to spread even when thin. Early detection and prompt surgical removal cure over 90% of melanomas. Read more at Healthdirect: Skin Cancer and Melanomas.
Q14How can I prevent skin cancers?
Protect your skin by minimising direct UV exposure — especially during peak UV hours (approximately 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in summer). Wear sun-protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ water-resistant sunscreen to all uncovered skin, reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Helpful resources: How to Detect Early Signs of Skin Cancer • Healthdirect Sun Protection Guide • Cancer Council Sunscreens
Q15How should I perform a self-examination of my moles at home?
We recommend performing a self skin check at home every 3 to 4 months. Because areas such as your back, scalp, and the backs of your legs are difficult to see yourself, ask a partner or family member to check those areas or use a handheld mirror.
Melanoma Institute Australia (Game On Mole) recommends taking dated photographs of your skin before and after summer so you can objectively spot any new or changing lesions rather than relying on memory alone. Any spot or mole that itches, bleeds, crusts, or changes in size, shape, or colour over 3 to 4 weeks should be examined promptly by a skin cancer doctor.
Further reading: Healthdirect Guide to Moles • Cancer Council: Check for Signs of Skin Cancer • Cancer Council: Preventing Skin Cancer
Q165 Important Facts & Myths About Skin Cancer
- You don’t have to get sunburnt to develop skin cancer: Cumulative UV exposure over time damages skin DNA, and solariums emit significantly higher UV radiation than midday summer sun.
- You can get UV damage inside a car: While windscreens filter most UV, side windows allow UV radiation through. Professional drivers and commuters should wear long sleeves, sunglasses, and sunscreen in the middle of the day.
- Melanoma isn’t the only life-threatening skin cancer: Untreated or aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) can also spread and become life-threatening if not excised in time.
- Australia has no automatic national screening program for skin cancer: Unlike breast or bowel screening, it is up to you to check your skin regularly for irregular or changing lesions and book an annual full-body skin check.
- People with olive or dark skin can get skin cancer too: While fairer skin types have higher incidence rates, skin cancer and melanoma still occur in olive and darker skin tones — often on less sun-exposed sites.
Read more at Healthdirect: The Truth About Skin Cancer.
Send an Enquiry to Our Maitland Clinic
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