When it comes to monitoring your skin health, terminology can be a little confusing. Patients often ask whether they need a “mole check” or a “full skin check” — and whether these are the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you book the right appointment and make the most of your time with your GP. At Camberwell Health, an accredited skin cancer specialist clinic in Camberwell, we offer both.
What Is a Mole Check?
A mole check typically refers to the examination of specific spots or lesions that a patient has noticed or is concerned about. You might book a mole check because you’ve spotted a new mole, noticed that an existing one has changed, or have a particular spot that looks different from the rest.
A mole check is focused and targeted. Your GP will examine the specific spots you’ve raised concerns about, often using a dermatoscope to look at the structure beneath the skin surface. It is a valuable appointment — but it only covers what you bring to their attention.
What Is a Full Body Skin Check?
A full body skin check is a systematic, head-to-toe examination of your entire skin surface. Rather than focusing on the spots you’re already aware of, your GP examines every area of the body — including areas that are difficult for you to see yourself, such as the scalp, back, backs of the legs, soles of the feet, and nail beds.
This is important because many skin cancers develop in areas people don’t regularly examine or think of as sun-exposed. Melanomas can appear on the soles of the feet, under nails, or on the back — areas you’re unlikely to notice during routine self-examination.
Why a Full Body Skin Check Offers More Comprehensive Protection
The limitation of a targeted mole check is that it relies on the patient identifying something worth checking. The problem is that not all concerning lesions look immediately unusual to a non-clinical eye, and many develop in areas that are simply not visible without help.
A full body skin check closes that gap. It allows your GP to catch lesions you weren’t aware of, identify patterns across your skin that might indicate elevated risk, and give you a complete and documented baseline against which future changes can be compared.
Can You Have Both in the Same Appointment?
Yes. If you have specific spots you’d like discussed as well as wanting a full body check, simply mention this when you book. Your GP can address your specific concerns as part of the full body examination. Booking enough time is important — let our reception team know when you call or book online so that a longer appointment is set aside.
Which One Should You Book?
If you have a specific spot that has appeared recently or changed, a targeted check is appropriate — and prompt. Don’t delay on anything that looks new, growing, or different. Book it soon.
For routine monitoring — particularly if you have risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sun exposure, many moles, or a family history of skin cancer — a full body skin check is the more thorough option. Annual or biennial full body skin checks are recommended for many Australians, depending on their individual risk.
If you’re unsure, our reception team can help you decide which appointment type is most appropriate, or your GP can advise at your consultation.
Self-Examination Between Appointments
Regardless of which type of check you have, regular self-examination remains important in between appointments. Familiarise yourself with your skin and look for any new spots or changes using the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter, and Evolution. If anything changes between your scheduled appointments, see your GP promptly.
Book a Skin Check in Camberwell
Camberwell Health is an accredited skin cancer specialist clinic at 676 Burke Road, Camberwell. To book a mole check or a full body skin check, visit HotDoc or call us on (03) 9882 0055.
This article is intended as general health information only. For personal medical advice, please consult your GP.