The Medical Photography Clinic is a service in which a trained photographer takes standardized photographs (macroscopic and dermoscopic lenses) of a skin lesion of concern. These high quality in-focus images are combined with background clinical information and are reviewed by the dermatologist to determine whether the lesion is concerning for skin cancer and requires further investigation. This service is covered by MSP and requires a clinic referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner.

You and your doctor or nurse practitioner would have discussed a lesion on your skin and decided that you would like a dermatologist to look at it for an opinion. High quality in-focus images can accurately diagnose low-risk benign lesions and identify which spots require further management. Patients who are over the age of 16 can be referred into the service for assessment of up to two lesions when there is a concern of skin cancer. This service will not be able to assess rashes or other skin conditions such as eczema, acne or psoriasis.

Not all lesions are suitable for medical photography, for example those covered by hair, under nails, or in sensitive sites.

Please arrive a little early to your appointment to accommodate for parking and arriving at the clinic. After checking in, you will meet with the clinical photographer and review your consent for clinical photographs and other secondary purposes. The clinical photographer will ask about your medical history and questions specific to the skin lesion being assessed. The photographer will then take a series of photographs. One of these photos will be taken with a special magnifying lens, attached to the device, which will be placed on your skin. This gives a close up image of the lesion. These photos will be electronically transferred by secure means to your medical chart.

After your visit, the dermatologist will review your images, usually within 3 weeks. You will be contacted by the clinic to let you know the outcome of the visit. Being recalled does not necessarily mean a diagnosis of cancer as there are multiple potential reasons to return for assessment.