Skin Check — Ivanhoe (2D mapping + doctor)

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world — making regular professional skin checks essential for early detection and prevention. Melanoma and other skin cancers are far easier to treat when detected early. ^(1,2,3)

Even small changes in a mole’s size, shape or colour can be the first warning sign — and most people have dozens or hundreds of moles that are impossible to track from memory alone. Medical-grade imaging provides a permanent, objective baseline that human recall cannot match. ⁽⁴⁾

Two Ivanhoe pathways — choosing the right option

All Ivanhoe skin checks include high-resolution 2D imaging plus a meticulous doctor-led examination. You can choose from two pathways:

Pathway 1 — Thorough Ivanhoe Skin Check (2D + doctor)

This is our core skin-check service at Ivanhoe, suitable for most patients.

What is included:

• 2D Vectra® total-body imaging at Ivanhoe — a trained imaging assistant captures standardised high-resolution photographs of your skin (usually in underwear) using the Vectra 2D imaging system. These create your baseline “map” so we can track new and changing spots over time.
• 40-minute head-to-toe doctor examination — your skin cancer physician examines every mole, freckle and lesion from scalp to soles, including between toes and under nails.
• State-of-the-art digital dermatoscopy — magnified images displayed live on large HD computer screens, so you see what your doctor sees.
• Secure image storage and change detection — lesions we are watching closely are photographed and linked to your 2D map. At future visits, new images are compared to old ones.

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 in the very-high-risk category
• Ongoing annual surveillance for patients without a history of melanoma

A detailed preparation guide is on our Vectra 2D Ivanhoe preparation page.

Pathway 2 — Advanced High-Risk Program (3D Diamond Creek + 2D/doctor Ivanhoe)

For patients at higher risk of skin cancer — 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:

• Step 1 — 3D WB360 scan at Diamond Creek (at least 4 hours before the Ivanhoe doctor appointment). 92 cameras capture your entire skin surface in a single session, creating a true-to-life 3D avatar with every mole and freckle mapped in detail. The scan can be on the same day as your Ivanhoe skin check, or any subsequent day. (Note: this is a scan without medical review — you will not see a doctor at Diamond Creek unless you book a full skin check there instead.)
• Step 2 — 2D mapping and doctor examination at Ivanhoe. Your 3D file is securely transferred to Ivanhoe. You will still have a Vectra® 2D total-body image set taken, giving us a high-resolution photographic map to track fine changes over time. Straight after imaging, your skin cancer physician conducts the 40-minute head-to-toe examination using the same digital dermatoscope and HD screen setup.

Why both? The comprehensive 3D map provides the long-term high-resolution baseline; the more-frequent 2D imaging detects the smallest changes in mole size between 3D scans.

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.

A detailed preparation guide for this combined pathway is on the combined 3D + 2D preparation page.

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 are 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 are encouraged to point out any lesions you are worried about

Choosing the right pathway

• If you have not had melanoma and are seeking a high-quality, thorough skin check with imaging, the Pathway 1 (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 Pathway 2 (Advanced High-Risk Program, 3D Diamond Creek + 2D/doctor Ivanhoe) for the most detailed long-term surveillance

If you want further assistance, book a consultation via the panel in the sidebar. Clinics at Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek.