Skin Cancer in New Zealand
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. Every year:
- Approximately 90,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed
- More than 2,800 invasive melanomas are reported
- More people die from melanoma than in road accidents
New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world, making skin cancer a health issue you cannot ignore. Research shows that 2 in 3 Kiwis will develop a non-melanoma skin cancer during their lifetime.
At Henderson Medical Centre, we have experienced Doctors and Nurses who specialise in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of skin cancer.
Regular skin checks and self-monitoring are crucial. If you notice a new or changing mole, spot, or lesion, especially one that looks different from others, do not wait.
Book a professional skin check. Early detection can save your life.
What to expect during your visit to our skin clinic
When you come in for a mole check, we want you to feel comfortable, informed, and well cared for from the moment you arrive. Your privacy and dignity are always respected, and you will be offered a full-body skin check to ensure nothing is overlooked.
If it makes you feel more at ease, a chaperone can be present during your appointment. Just let us know.
In some cases, we may take photographs of specific moles or skin lesions. This allows us to monitor any changes over time and maintain accurate records for your ongoing care.
Our experienced skin specialists will carry out a thorough skin check while also providing information on early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Our goal is to educate, screen, and empower you to take charge of your long-term skin health.
We will explain everything clearly throughout the process, and you’ll receive a take-home information sheet outlining what to expect next.
Our clinic is a welcoming and supportive environment, and we are here to answer any questions you may have – before, during, or after your visit.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
If a mole or area of concern is identified during your skin check, we will discuss the most appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
At Henderson Medical Centre, we offer a range of specialised skin cancer treatments, all performed on-site by either Registered Nurse Wendy Duckett or Dr Hussam Al-Diery, who have advanced training in skin cancer management.
Treatment options include:
- Topical therapies using prescription creams such as Aldara or Efudix
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen to freeze abnormal cells
- Shave excision – removing raised or superficial lesions
- Punch biopsy – a diagnostic technique for sampling suspicious areas
- Full excision – complete removal of the lesion with a margin of healthy tissue
- Flap or graft excision – advanced surgical options for larger or complex cases
We are committed to ensuring you feel informed and supported every step of the way. If you have any questions about your treatment options, our team is here to help.
Why Choose Us
At Henderson Medical Centre, we are committed to providing the highest standard of skin cancer detection and care. One of the key tools we use is digital dermoscopy – a cutting-edge, non-invasive imaging system that significantly improves the early detection of skin cancer.
Traditional mole checks rely on visual inspection with the naked eye, which only reveals surface-level features. In contrast, dermoscopy uses polarised and non-polarised light to see beneath the surface of the skin, allowing our experienced practitioners to identify features that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Why dermoscopy matters:
- Research shows that dermoscopy improves the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis by 10–27% compared to visual examination alone.
- It helps avoid unnecessary removal of benign (non-cancerous) lesions.
- It increases the early detection rate of potentially dangerous skin cancers.
Dermoscopy vs. Mole Mapping
It’s important to understand the difference between dermoscopy and mole mapping:
- Dermoscopy provides a real-time, detailed assessment of individual moles or lesions, allowing for immediate clinical decisions.
- Mole mapping is a photographic tool used to monitor moles over time, identifying changes that may signal concern.
While both have their place, dermoscopy allows us to tell you on the day whether a lesion needs to be monitored or if immediate treatment is required.
What Sets Us Apart
- We assess, advise, discuss treatment options, and deliver care – all in one location.
- Unlike mapping-only services, we offer a complete clinical pathway, from diagnosis to treatment.
- Our team includes clinicians with advanced training in dermoscopy and skin cancer management.
Treatment CostsSkin Check services with digital dermoscopy of suspicious moles (30 minutes): |
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Full-body skin check:
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$125.00 (casual patients) $115.00 (enrolled patients) |
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One spot check (up to 3 spots)
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$70.00 (casual patients) $60.00 (enrolled patients) |
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Spot review (if seen within the last 6 months)
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$45.00 (casual/enrolled patients) |
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Excisions:
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$380.00 (First Lesion/Simple Excision) – 30 minutes $220.00 (subsequent lesions – if excised at the same visit) |
| Laboratory diagnosis and follow up care is included. Please note: an additional theatre material charge will apply – $100.00 per 30 minutes (or part thereof). |
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Casual Patient Information
If you are a new patient visiting our medical centre, and do not wish to register with us as a full-time patient, please download and complete the Casual Enrolment Form.
You can either:
- Email the completed form to: [email protected], or
- Bring the completed form with you and hand it in when you arrive for your appointment.
We look forward to seeing you.
What Our Clients Say
I really appreciate Wendy’s care and attention to detail. Very thorough and professional. I also know what to look out for now, so thank you!
Wendy is amazing, and I would highly recommend her service to all my family and friends.
Really appreciate this service, especially Wendy’s informed approach. Being able to view the lesions myself via the microscope and camera allowed me to gain insight into the issues and confirm Wendy’s decisions. Thanks, Wendy!
Thank you to Nurse Wendy and the Henderson Medical Centre. It is such a good service to have a consistant professional that checks our skin, advises us on care of the skin (especially with the harsh NZ sun) – it takes alot of the worry away to be seen regularly, by an efficient, experienced and kind Nurse Wendy – thank you
