Skin Check
Our team of experts at SkinCentre are highly skilled in identifying skin abnormalities, providing you with the best chance of detecting potential concerns at their earliest stages.


What to Expect
The nurse will greet you and escort you to the consultation room, where you will be asked to wear a gown. You are welcome to have a chaperone present during the examination, or we can provide one if you prefer.
The doctor will take your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have. They will then examine your skin thoroughly under magnification and discuss their findings with you. We may also provide education on how to protect your skin in the future.
If a concerning lesion is identified, a small skin sample (biopsy) may be needed. This can often be done on the same day or scheduled for a convenient time.
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell
Carcinoma
The most common form of skin cancer in New Zealand.
Usually appear as a red scaly lesion that can bleed easily but can have different appearances.
Squamous Cell
Carcinoma
Tend to grow rapidly and may spread to other areas of the body if left un-treated.
Typically presents as a pink/red lump which can be tender.
Melanoma
The most serious form of skin cancer that can rapidly spread to other areas of the body.
Typically presents as an abnormal/changing pigmented mole.
How do we Diagnose Skin Cancer?
There are many different ways to take samples and diagnose conditions, our specialised Dermatology team are trained to ensure they can diagnose and catch cancers as early as possible to give our patients the best outcome.


Clinical Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis occurs when our specialist dermatologist identifies the key features of a lesion to diagnose it without taking a sample to send to the laborotary.

Dermoscopy
Clinical diagnosis enhanced by the use of a dermatoscope which helps our specialist Dermatologists to see lesions at a microscopic level to accurately diagnose lesions.

Curette
Curettage is another tool used to take a sample of the skin to send away to the laboratory for diagnosis but is most commonly used on superficial lesions as it does not penetrate as deep as a punch biopsy does.

Punch Biopsy
Biopsies are often used to help diagnose skin conditions by taking a small sample of the skin and sending it away to the laboratory to be evaluated.
See below video for more information.
How do we treat Skin Cancer?
Treatment options can vary depending on the type and severity of the Skin Cancer. Our expert team of nurses and Dermatologists will talk you through your different options to ensure we find an option that is best for you.

Topical Treatments
Superficial Skin Cancers can at times be treated topically with prescription medications.
Your Dermatologist will discuss all options with you before selecting the best treatment plan to suit you.

Surgical Excision
Lesions may need to be surgically excised to ensure the entirety of the lesion is removed. Our dermatologists have years of experience and will provide you with the best outcome.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery is the gold standard treatment for non-melanoma Skin Cancer on the head and neck and other special sites. Mohs is performed at a microscopic level to ensure the highest possible cure rate (>99%) and achieve the best cosmetic outcome for you.
