1) Do I need a referral to see Dr Asif?
You do not need a referral to see Dr Asif. However, if your GP has given you a referral letter, please bring it along with you as it will contain important information about your medical conditions.
If you do not have a referral letter, obtaining a medical summary containing a list of your medical conditions, medications and allergies from your doctor is an excellent idea. It is more relevant if you have multiple medical conditions or have a complex medical history. It also helps Dr Asif to communicate with your GP where required.
2) What should I expect during my skin check?
If you are having a full body skin check, you will be required to undress to your underwear and Dr Asif will examine your skin with a medical device called a
dermatoscope.
If you only require an opinion on one or two spots, you may not have to undress. Breasts and genital areas are not routinely examined but if you have any concerns in those areas, please advise Dr Asif prior to your examination.
If you have several spots over various areas it is advisable to have a full skin check. Please avoid pointing out various moles while you are being examined, as it distracts from conducting a thorough examination.
3) How long does a skin check take?
Usually full body skin checks take about 15-20 minutes, but could easily take 30 minutes or more depending on the type of skin and number of moles. Sometimes, digital photos may have to be taken and this can take additional time.
Please advise our reception staff that you need a full body skin check so you can be given a suitable appointment slot. Please ensure you present to the clinic at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment to complete any necessary administrative tasks before your appointment.
4) What if I have multiple concerns?
You may have questions and several concerns you want addressed. Sometimes it is not possible to address these in a single consultation due to time constraints. A follow up or subsequent appointment may be required if you have multiple concerns.
5) Can I request for my surgery to be performed immediately?
Performing surgery requires some planning and understanding. Immediate surgery will not be performed except in certain emergency situations. You will not have any surgery done on the day of your initial consultation. Dr Asif will explain the nature of the surgery and possible complications that could arise, before obtaining your informed content prior to conducting any surgical procedures.
6) What happens after my skin check?
Your skin check might be all fine and in that case you will be offered another skin check after a year or sometimes after 6 months depending on the assessment. Should any skin cancers be detected, you will be required to have a biopsy performed in order to get a pathology diagnosis. Further treatment will be offered depending on the result of the biopsy which is typically available after a week or so.
7) What is a biopsy? And why would I need one?
A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a small sample is taken from a mole/skin lesion to get a clear understanding of its nature. It is a very important aspect in the diagnosis of any cancers including skin cancers. Common forms of skin biopsy include shave biopsy and punch biopsy. Other forms of biopsies for skin are called incisional biopsy and excisional biopsy. The results from a biopsy will help in making further decision about treatment options. Sometimes the biopsy result will be benign (a harmless condition) and as such no further treatment will be required for the skin lesion.
8) How will the results of any tests be communicated to me?
Typically you will hear from the practice about a week later by text message (SMS) about your result. If you require further surgery or other treatments, the clinic nurse will call you about a week or so after your biopsy to schedule an appointment for your surgical procedure. Usually, these appointments are 30 minutes to an hour depending on the nature of procedure.
9) How often should I get my moles checked?
This depends on a range of factors and your risk of skin cancer. Typically for most people it is once a year if you are over the age of 50 years. However, some patients may need more frequent skin checks such as every six months or so. More frequent skin checks may be required if your skin has been subject to lots of sun damage or you have a history of melanoma or other skin cancers.
10) What is mole mapping?
There is a lot of misconceptions about what is commonly referred as 'mole mapping'. Technological innovation in digital photography has led to development of serial monitoring of moles/skin lesions using sophisticated software platforms. Whole body photography using such programs can aid in the early diagnosis of subtle changes in moles and early detection of skin cancers, mainly melanomas.
Some of the well-known programs are called Mole Map, Foto Finder ATBM, Vectra WB360, Heine Cube and DermEngine. Keep in mind that a digital analysis of your moles in not a substitute for a thorough examination by the doctor, as photos cannot by themselves diagnose skin cancers.
At present, Dr Asif does not offer full body photography. However, he does use DermEngine for taking digital images of moles which require monitoring or for diagnostic assistance.
11) How much does it cost to have a skin check?
For private patients:
- Standard consultation: $109.75 (Medicare rebate $39.75), your out-of-pocket cost: $70
- Long consultation: $146.95 (Medicare rebate $76.95) , your out-of-pocket cost: $70
For pensioners and health care cardholders:
- Standard consultation: $89.75 (Medicare rebate $39.75), your out-of-pocket cost: $50
- Long consultation: $126.95 (Medicare rebate $76.95), your out-of-pocket cost: $50
12) How much does it cost of have surgery to remove skin cancers?
This depends on the nature of your procedure. A range of consumables are used during the surgery which adds to the cost. Dr Asif will advise you prior to any surgery about the out of pocket cost that you might incur. Medicare rebates are complex, as they depend on type of cancer, location in your body and its size.
To makes matters easy for patients, Dr Asif works on an out-of-pocket estimate prior to surgery, keeping in mind about your pension or health care card status. For any surgical or similar procedures:
- The minimum out of pocket cost is $50
- The maximum out-of-pocket cost is $250
The cost depends on nature and complexity of procedure and time spent in performing the surgery. Some skin closures are simple while others may require more complex skin closure such as flap or skin graft.
13) Where can I get more information about skin cancers?
14) What about rashes, lumps etc. that I might have?
Our skin changes over time and new skin lesions may arise. Not all new moles are skin cancers but some can be and it requires knowledge and experience to recognise the benign from the cancerous. Dr Asif is not a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or aesthetic medicine practitioner. His focus is on skin cancers only. If you are seeking opinion on skin rashes or seeking to have lumps etc. removed please consult your GP and he/she will be able to direct you to the appropriate health professional.
15) Who is at high risk of skin cancers?
There are six skin types, commonly referred to as Fitzpatrick skin types. Type I and II are at the greatest risk of developing skin cancers (Type I is very fair skin which always burns and cannot tan, while Type II is fair skin that usually burns and sometimes tans).
You are at a higher risk if you have any of the following characteristics:
- Red hair
- Type 1 skin and aged more than 45 years
- Type 2 skin and aged more than 65 years
- Family history of melanoma in a first degree relative in patients aged more than 15 years
- More than 100 naevi (moles) (or more than 10 atypical naevi)
- Past history of melanoma
- Past history of non-melanoma skin cancer or greater than 20 solar keratosis
If you fall within any of above categories, you should have once a year skin check and 3 monthly
self-check of your skin.
16) What should I do before my surgery?
Surgery can lead to permanent injury, complications or scars. You should consider this carefully before you agree to undergo any surgical procedures. If you have questions or concerns, please have these addressed before you consent to any procedure. Misunderstanding sometimes leads to dissatisfaction after the procedure. Some possible complications can not always be predicted.
Please
click here to view a sample consent form that you will be given to sign on the day of your surgery. Please read this document carefully beforehand as there is limited time allocated for your surgical procedure.
Please note that Dr. Asif is a GP with training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. He is NOT a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. He regularly undertakes upskilling in this area of medicine.
17) What should I do after my surgery
Dr Asif will tell you and give you written instructions about how to care for your biopsy site or how to look after your surgical wound. You will also receive information about dressing changes, stitch removal etc. that might be required. Any follow up appointments will be made for you on the day of your surgery. You will be able to contact the clinic if any unforeseen complications arise after surgery such as bleeding or infection etc.
