How We Spot Skin Cancer Early
Skin cancer is New Zealand’s most common cancer — and with our high UV exposure, the risk is greater than anywhere else in the world. The good news? When caught early, skin cancers are usually curable with simple treatment.
Why Early Detection Matters
Catching a skin cancer early can mean the difference between:
A simple excision in clinic versus major surgery
A small scar versus a complex reconstruction
A near 100% cure rate versus a more serious diagnosis
Peace of mind versus ongoing worry
That’s why at DermLab we recommend regular checks, especially if you have:
Fair skin or many moles
A history of sunburns or tanning bed use
A family or personal history of melanoma
A weakened immune system
📖 Link: Skin Cancer Checks
Tools We Use to Spot Cancer Early
🔬 Dermoscopy
A dermatoscope is a handheld device that combines magnification with polarised light, allowing us to see beneath the surface of the skin. Subtle pigment patterns, blood vessels, or structural changes can reveal melanoma or basal cell carcinoma long before they are obvious to the naked eye.
Dermatologists and GP Skin Cancer Doctors at DermLab undergo specialised training in dermoscopy, ensuring that nothing is missed.
📷 Mole Mapping
For patients with many moles or at high risk of melanoma, we use digital mole mapping. This involves photographing the skin and comparing images over time. Even minute changes in a mole’s size, shape, or colour can trigger further investigation.
Mole mapping is especially useful for patients who:
Have 50+ moles
Have had melanoma before
Have fair skin and many freckles
Struggle to track their own skin changes
👩⚕️ Specialist Training Matters
At DermLab, your skin check is carried out by:
Dermatologists — specialists with years of training in diagnosing skin cancers.
GP Skin Cancer Doctors — GPs who have completed the Advanced Certificate in Dermatology and Skin Cancer, developed in partnership with the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD).
Importantly, all GP Skin Cancer Doctors work under Dermatologist oversight and ongoing mentorship, so every patient benefits from specialist standards of care.
📖 Links: Mohs Surgery | Skin Cancer Surgery
What Happens During a Skin Cancer Check?
A skin check at DermLab usually takes 20–30 minutes and follows a clear process:
Medical History — your risk factors, past skin cancers, sun exposure, and family history.
Full-Body Examination — from head to toe using dermoscopy. You’ll wear a gown for privacy, and only areas being checked are uncovered at a time.
Targeted Concerns — if you’re worried about a specific spot, we look at it closely with dermoscopy.
Discussion — you’ll get immediate feedback: what looks harmless, what needs monitoring, and what may need a biopsy.
Next Steps — biopsy, excision, or Mohs surgery if necessary, or reassurance and education if everything is clear.
📖 Link: Skin Cancer Checks
What If Something Suspicious Is Found?
If we find a lesion that looks suspicious:
Biopsy: a small sample is taken for pathology.
Excision: many non-facial cancers are treated with a simple excision under local anaesthetic.
Mohs Surgery: for cancers on the face, nose, eyelids, or ears, Mohs ensures precision removal with minimal tissue loss.
Follow-up: in some cases, we recommend review in 3–6 months to monitor changes.
📖 Links: Skin Cancer Surgery | Mohs Surgery
Beyond Detection: Prevention and Education
At DermLab, we believe prevention is just as important as detection. Every skin check includes:
Sun safety education — how to use sunscreen properly, protective clothing, and shade.
Self-check guidance — how to monitor your own skin at home between visits.
Individualised risk planning — some patients need annual checks, others every 1–2 years.
We also offer treatments to repair sun-damaged skin, such as CO₂ laser resurfacing, which not only improves skin quality but can reduce the risk of future skin cancers.
📖 Link: Laser Dermatology
