Patient Services

	Skin Cancer There are three main types of skin cancer:  Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least dangerous form of skin cancer. It appears as a red, pale or pearly lump, or dry scaly area, and may ulcerate or fail to completey heal. They usually grow slowly, and appear on the head, neck and upper torso. Squamous cell carcinoma is not as dangerous as melanoma and appears as a thickened, red scaly spot that may bleed easily, crust or ulcerate. It usually appears on skin that is most often exposed to the sun and grows over some months. Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to occur in people over fifty years. Melanoma is cancer of the cells in the skin that produce melanin, the substance that gives you a tan. In their early stages melanomas can resemble normal moles on your skin, and if not diagnosed and removed quickly, the cancer can spread and become life threatening. Melanoma is the seventh most common type of cancer and the incidence of melanoma is increasing at a rate greater than any other form of cancer (US Figures).
	When should I have my moles examined? The American Cancer Society suggests that moles with the following "ABCDE" features should be referred to a Doctor: Asymmetrical - where one side of the mole doesn't match the other. Border - edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred. Colours - several different colours within the lesion. Diameter - greater than 6mm. Evolution - changes in size, shape or colour.
	How does the Scanner work? The technology used to scan the moles on your body uses an advanced imaging scanner. The machine uses a non-invasive and painless system that uses visbile and infra-red light beams to "map" the different components of the skin. These 3-dimensional maps give the doctor extra information about the structure of the skin which helps improve the accuracy of the diagnosis. Each scan takes only a few seconds, and after this Dr. Clifopoulos will normally discuss your results with you.
	What are the costs* and services? Whole Body Examination - Adults $120 / $80 for children upto 12 years. Photo mapping of the body Scanning of moles (pictures of abnormal moles will be stored in the computer for future review) Daignosis of the images stored. All visits for review of images within 12 months of the date of the initial mapping. Part Body Examination and review - $50 to $80 Back - $80 Head and Neck, Chest, Arms, Legs - $50 for each part body. Single Mole - $30 *Note there is an additional doctor's fee that will be covered by Medicare rebate. Fees do not include treatment costs.