Skin Checks – Ivanhoe
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Information on options
Why Regular Skin Checks Are Essential
Early detection saves lives
Melanoma and other skin cancers are far easier to treat when detected early. Even tiny changes in a mole’s size, shape or colour can be the first warning sign.
Everyone is at risk
Skin checks aren’t just for people with high sun exposure. Even with good sun protection, skin cancer can still develop — often in places you cannot see yourself.
Your memory can’t track changes — imaging can
Most people have dozens (or hundreds) of moles. Remembering what they looked like last year is almost impossible. Medical-grade imaging provides a permanent, objective baseline.
Technology reduces unnecessary procedures
By accurately tracking lesions over time, we can avoid biopsying harmless lesions and confidently identify those needing attention.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors
Anyone can develop skin cancer. Your risk is higher if you:
- Are over the age of 50
- Have fair skin that burns easily
- Have a history of sunburn (especially blistering), tanning or solarium use
- Spend a lot of time outdoors
- Have many moles, freckles or atypical naevi
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
If any of these apply to you, regular professional skin checks are especially important.
Comprehensive, technology-assisted skin cancer screening
At our Ivanhoe clinic, every skin check is a dedicated one-hour appointment, including around 40 minutes with your skin cancer doctor, who examines every single spot on your body from head to toe using advanced digital dermatoscopy.
All Ivanhoe skin checks include high-resolution imaging plus a meticulous doctor-led examination. You can choose from two pathways:
1.Thorough Ivanhoe Skin Check – 2D total body mapping + doctor examination
1.Advanced High-Risk Program – Vectra WB360 3D total body mapping at Diamond Creek + 2D total body mapping and doctor examination at Ivanhoe
Call Ivanhoe to book (03) 8373 4646
Both options are then followed by a thorough head to toe examination by your skin doctor with state of the art technology
Option 1: Thorough Ivanhoe Skin Check – 2D total body mole mapping + 40-minute doctor examination
This is our core skin check service at Ivanhoe, suitable for most patients.
What’s included
- 2D Vectra® total body imaging at Ivanhoe
A trained imaging assistant captures a set of standardised, high-resolution photos of your skin (usually in underwear) using our Vectra® 2D imaging system. These images create your baseline “map” so we can track new and changing spots over time. - 40-minute, head-to-toe doctor examination
Immediately after your 2D images are taken, you’ll see your skin cancer physician for a detailed, 40-minute full-body skin check. Every mole, freckle and lesion is examined from scalp to soles, including between the toes and under the nails. - State-of-the-art digital dermatoscopy
Your doctor uses a state-of-the-art digital dermatoscope capable of peering into the skin and displaying the magnified image on large HD computer screens. You can see what we see, and this level of detail helps detect very early skin cancers that may not be visible to the naked eye. - Secure image storage and change detection
Any lesions we are watching closely are photographed and linked to your 2D map. At future visits, your new images are compared to the old ones so we can detect even subtle changes.
Who this is ideal for
- Patients wanting a thorough, doctor-led skin check with high-quality imaging
- People with some moles or sun damage, but not necessarily in the very high-risk category
- Ongoing annual surveillance for patients without a history of melanoma
Option 2: Advanced High-Risk Program
Vectra WB360 3D total body mapping at Diamond Creek (about 20 minutes north east of Ivanhoe) + 2D total body mole mapping and doctor examination at Ivanhoe
For patients at higher risk of skin cancer – such as those with a previous melanoma, strong family history, very large numbers of moles, or significant past sun exposure – we offer an enhanced pathway combining 3D and 2D imaging.
How it works
1.Step 1 – 3D WB360 scan at Diamond Creek (at least 4 hours before Ivanhoe doctor appointment)
○Your first visit is at our Diamond Creek clinic for a VECTRA® WB360 3D full-body scan. (note this is a scan without medical review only – you will not see a doctor in diamond creek unless you book a full skin check there instead)
○Ninety-two cameras capture your entire skin surface in a single session, creating a true-to-life 3D avatar of your body, with every mole and freckle mapped in detail.
○This appointment should be booked at least 4 hours before your Ivanhoe skin check (if on the same day) to ensure your 3D file is processed and transferred.
○The map can be done on the same day as your skin check, or any subsequent day.
2.Step 2 – 2D mapping and doctor examination at Ivanhoe
○Your 3D file is securely transferred to Ivanhoe.
○At Ivanhoe, you’ll still have a Vectra® 2D total-body image set taken, giving us a high-resolution photographic map to track fine changes over time.
○In this way you get the best of both worlds – a comprehensive 3D map for mole visualisation and to base your mole map on, as well as a 2D map we can use on a more frequent basis to detect the smallest changes in mole size over time
○Straight after imaging, your skin cancer physician conducts a 40-minute, head-to-toe skin examination using the same digital dermatoscope and HD screen setup, so you can see your lesions in detail as they are assessed.
1.Ongoing follow-up
○Your 3D WB360 scan usually only needs to be repeated every few years, depending on your risk profile and preference.
○2D imaging and a full doctor examination are performed annually (or more frequently if recommended) to monitor for new or changing lesions between 3D scans.
Who this is ideal for
- Patients with a previous melanoma or multiple non-melanoma skin cancers
- Strong family history of melanoma
- Very high numbers of moles (often 100+)
- Patients who want the most comprehensive, technology-assisted surveillance program we offer
What to Expect at Ivanhoe
Regardless of which pathway you choose:
- Your total appointment time at Ivanhoe is about one hour, including around 40 minutes with your doctor.
- We will ask about your personal and family history of skin cancer, including any previous biopsies, excisions or treatments. It can be helpful to ask family members ahead of time if you’re unsure which cancers they have had.
- You will be asked to undress to underwear; gowns are available for comfort and modesty.
- Please arrive with clean skin and avoid makeup, fake tan, nail polish and heavy moisturisers so we can see your skin clearly.
- Every spot is checked systematically using digital dermatoscopy, and you’re encouraged to point out any lesions you are worried about.
Choosing the Right Option
- If you haven’t had melanoma and are seeking a high-quality, thorough skin check with imaging, the Standard Ivanhoe Skin Check (2D + doctor) is usually appropriate.
- If you have a history of melanoma, multiple skin cancers, or significant risk factors, we recommend the Advanced High-Risk Program (3D Diamond Creek + 2D/doctor at Ivanhoe) for the most detailed long-term surveillance.
- If you want further assistance, please call our dedicated team who can help (03) 8373 4646