Skin cancer checks & treatment in Norwest
Norwest's trusted team in skin cancer detection & treatment
Early detection.
Compassionate care.
Book a comprehensive skin assessment
today
SOLVERA Services
We believe every patient deserves clarity, continuity and confidence in their care. Whether attending a routine skin check, monitoring a single lesion, or managing more complex skin cancer concerns over time, our approach is thoughtful, collaborative and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes.
Full body skin check
Thorough full body skin cancer assessments are essential for Australians at increased risk of skin cancer.
Urgent spot check
Discovered a new, changing or concerning spot? If you are worried our reception staff will ensure you have an appointment within a few days.
Total body photography
Using full body imaging, Solvera's Doctors will produce a 3D map of your moles and will deploy AI analysis to identify any changing lesions.
Confocal microscopy
A non-invasive, cellular-level imaging, enhancing examination of suspicious lesions without the need for immediate biopsy.
Procedures
Biopsy or excision procedures may be explored after a detailed assessment. Our doctors are highly skilled and experienced in performing complex skin excisions, including flaps and skin grafts.
About Solvera Skin Cancer Institute
At Solvera Skin Cancer Institute, we believe every patient deserves clear, considered and continuous skin cancer care.
Whether you are booking a routine skin check, seeking advice about a changing mole, or managing an ongoing skin cancer concern, our doctors provide thorough assessment, advanced diagnostic support and clear guidance at every stage.
Skin cancer care should feel clear, thorough and reassuring.
Delivering clarity, continuity and confidence in skin cancer checks and treatment
30yrs
of combined skin cancer treatment
Meet our skin cancer doctors
Dr Mehrnoosh Alian
Skin Cancer Doctor, Female, MD, FRAGCP, MMed(Skin Cancer) UQ, Advanced Certificate of Dermatoscopy and Skin Cancer Surgery (SCCA), Senior lecturer at Western Sydney University and University of Queensland
- Speaks English and Persian
Dr Mehrnoosh Alian has advanced qualifications in skin cancer medicine, dermoscopy and skin cancer surgery. A Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, she also holds a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) from The University of Queensland. Known for her calm and methodical approach, Dr Alian is committed to careful assessment, clear patient communication and ongoing continuity of care, helping patients feel confident and supported at every stage.
Dr Raj Rajalingam
Skin Cancer Doctor, Male, MBBS BSc(Med) UNSW, FRACGP, MMed(Skin Cancer), MSc(Dermoscopy), Clinical Lecturer University of Queensland
- Speaks English
Dr Raj Rajalingam has dedicated much of his career to the prevention, early detection and management of skin cancer. He has worked predominantly in skin cancer medicine since 2011 and completed advanced postgraduate studies in skin cancer medicine and dermoscopy through The University of Queensland and the University of Graz. Patients value his thorough, evidence-based approach and his commitment to providing clear, thoughtful care throughout every stage of management.
Dr Tim Scrivener
Skin Cancer Doctor, Male, BSc, MBBS, FRACGP, MMed(Skin Cancer)
- Speaks English
Focusing exclusively on skin cancer medicine, Dr Tim Scrivener supports patients through careful assessment, practical treatment planning and long-term surveillance. He holds a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) from The University of Queensland and is known for his structured, meticulous approach to full-skin examinations and dermoscopy-guided assessment. With a particular interest in the early detection of subtle melanomas and surgical care that aims to minimise scarring, Dr Tim provides clear, honest communication that helps patients feel informed and reassured at every stage.
Skin cancer checks save lives. How long has it been since your last check?
Proudly caring for patients in the Norwest, Bella Vista, Castle Hills, Baulkham Hills, Hills region and Sydney's western suburbs
FIND SOLVERA
Address
204, 2-8 Brookhollow Avenue Norwest NSW 2153
Contact
- 02 8806 2207
- Directions to Solvera
Opening hours
Getting to Solvera
Parking - Is conveniently located in Norwest Business Park, directly below our clinic. Enter the parking via Brookhollow Ave
Public Transport - Solvera is a 900m walk from the Norwest Metro station
CONTACT SOLVERA
For bookings beyond three months, please fill in the form below
For all other enquiries please fill in and submit the form below. A member of our helpful team will be in touch soon.
*All fields are required
Frequently asked questions about skin checks and skin cancer
What are the warning signs of skin cancer
Skin cancer often appears as a new growing spot of unusual colour (black, blue/grey or pink), a changing mole (colour and shape), spread of pigmentation from an old mole, a lesion that doesn’t heal or bleeds and/or a new painful lump.
Harmless lesions are usually small (< 6mm), not painful, do not bleed and are either skin colour or light/dark brown. They may be rough or warty in feel. A normal mole is usually one colour and symmetrical in shape.
How can I tell if a mole is a melanoma?
It may be quite difficult when a melanoma is small and early. If you notice a mole that you don’t recognise or a mole that has changed colour then get it checked as soon as possible.
The ABCDE rule is also good guide:
A - one half of the mole is unlike the other half
B - the border is irregular, poorly defined in parts or scalloped
C - the spot as varying colours with shades of brown, black and/or areas of pink/red, white or blue (the more colours a mole has the more suspicious it is)
D - greater than 6mm (however melanomas can be smaller)
E - evolving (changing in size, shape, or colour or it appears different to others around it)
Why is skin cancer a problem?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, accounting for ⅓ of all cancers. They can be sneaky, cause little to no symptoms and when they are early look quite harmless. Most small basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are not serious threats and very treatable if detected early. In addition, very early melanomas also have a high survival rate of 98-100% if caught early.
However, skin cancers can be dangerous when they become large (>1-2cm), are aggressive in behaviour and/or invade deeper skin where they can access blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves. They can use these avenues to cause deep extension or spread to other parts of the body such as bone, lung, liver, brain.
Fortunately in Australia the last 10-15 years have seen a decline in death rates from melanoma due to early detection and newer more effective drug therapy for advanced disease.
There are some experts in the health profession who suggest that a proportion of melanomas are being detected too early. Until such time that we know which melanomas are going to be more aggressive for that particular individual, all melanomas should be treated as early as possible.
Early detection of melanoma and keratinocyte cancers (squamous and basal cell carcinoma) is important because when a lesion is detected at an earlier stage, the outcomes for the person are likely to be better (Royal Australian College of Dermatologists - Australia’s National Skin Cancer Scorecard 2025)
How often should I have a skin check?
We recommend that an adult in Australia having a risk factor for skin cancer have at least a baseline skin cancer check (see below for risk factors). Then, depending on your risk profile a suitable interval will be advised. Generally, individuals at high risk are usually seen yearly.
Do my children need a skin cancer check?
Melanoma in children younger than 16 is very rare. Children do NOT need regular skin checks.
However, if there is anything you are concerned about on their skin then please bring them in for a check. Melanoma in children does not present like adult melanoma.
Things to look out for include:
A new pink or red lump, a bleeding non healing sore, a new rapidly growing firm mole, a new mole or warty lesion that itches or bleeds, or a new lump that appears shiny or crusty
How do I know if I am at risk?
Regardless of the following, if you have a new or changing mole please get it checked!
The following risk factors increase the chance of skin cancer.
- fair complexion (skin that burns, blue or green eyes, and blonde or red hair)
- unprotected exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) energy (e.g. tanning beds)
- a history of frequent sunburns as a child (especially if it led to blistering)
- having some large moles
- having many small moles, or moles that look different from normal moles
- a family history of unusual moles or melanoma
- a personal history of skin cancer, including melanoma
- Certain skin conditions that may predispose to skin cancers - xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare genetic condition that prevents the skin from repairing itself from UV damage
- exposure to certain environmental factors, including radiation, and some chemicals (e.g. solvents)
- a weakened immune system from disease or side effects of medicines
- age – melanoma is most likely to occur in older people.
- Being male– in Australia and New Zealand, melanoma is more common in men than in women.
What happens during a skin cancer check?
A clinician examines your skin from head to toe. They should use a dermatoscope to assess any suspicious lesions in detail. Photographic mapping of your moles may be used to monitor for changes over time. You must report any concerning moles hidden by underwear, as melanoma can affect areas not exposed to sunlight.
What are pre-cancerous changes?
The sun-induced pre-cancerous changes that we refer to have a technical name - actinic keratosis. These are usually rough scaly patches that have the small potential to progress to Squamous Cell Carcinoma. They should NOT cause alarm and are easily managed with cryotherapy (freezing), or creams. Regular sunscreen use can also prevent or reverse changes.
How do I perform a proper self-skin check?
You should be doing this every 3 months. Make sure you check your entire skin from head to toe. Use a mirror to check any hard to reach places, back, armpits, soles of the feet. Remember to check between toes, scalp and areas that do not get sun too. You may need to get a family member to check your scalp and back.
The Cancer Council of Australia has some useful information which may help.
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/check-for-signs-of-skin-cancer
Should I be checked if everything looks normal?
This depends on your risk of skin cancer (see above) and what your doctor told you at the last check.
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is when part or all of a lesion is removed and sent to be analysed. A pathologist (ideally one specialising in skin cancer) is a highly trained doctor that analyses the tissue and provides a diagnosis. This is in the form of a histopathology report
A suspicious “mole” should generally be removed in its entirety as sampling only a small part of it may not be representative of the whole lesion.
If you prefer not to have a biopsy due to cosmetic concerns, another option is Confocal Imaging which we offer at Solvera - A low power laser is used to magnify living cells in the skin by approximately 1000 times to allow analysis of the first and second layer of skin.
What are the most common mistakes people make when checking their skin?
Only checking sun exposed areas. Skin cancer can appear on any patch of skin, nails or mucosa.
Ignoring lesions that don’t itch, hurt bleed.
Ignoring sores that do not heal.
Does sunscreen prevent skin cancer?
Sunscreen is only part of a suite of protective measures taken to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Behavioural changes like avoiding the heat of the day and wearing more protective clothing is far superior than using sunscreen alone. Sunscreen is a filter for UV light and should be your last line of defence.
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety
Are there genetic risks for skin cancer?
Yes, having a family history of skin cancer increases your risk. If for example you have a first degree family member (child, sibling or parent) who has had a melanoma then you now have a two-fold risk.