Skin checks, head to toe.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia. The clinic’s aim is to find it as early as possible, and to help you prevent it.
About skin cancer
About three-quarters of a million skin cancers are diagnosed in Australia each year. There are two broad kinds:
- Non-melanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). They are the most common, grow slowly and are usually easily treated, but left alone they can grow large and spread.
- Melanoma, which is less common but more dangerous. More melanomas are now found early, and survival rates have improved.
The clinic also puts a strong emphasis on prevention and avoiding UV exposure.
Your skin check
The doctor uses digital epiluminescence light microscopy to look closely at moles and other spots, at very high resolution.
So nothing is missed, the doctor checks your skin from your toes to your head. You can leave your underwear on, and if you’d rather not have a full examination, the doctor will check only the areas you ask.
The skin check is a consultation only. Any treatment you agree to is booked as a new appointment.
Treatments
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Cryotherapy
Freezing, most often for sunspots (solar keratoses). It stings a little and can itch for an hour or so. The spot forms a small sore that heals in about a week. Wash normally, but don’t rub or scratch it.
- medication
Creams
Creams such as 5-fluorouracil (Efudix) or imiquimod (Aldara) may be used.
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Electro-cautery
A small burn, for thin patches of abnormal cells in the top layers of the skin. Usually done with local anaesthetic, and usually heals in a week without a scar.
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Biopsy
A small sample of tissue is taken under local anaesthetic and sent to a pathologist. You’ll usually come back in a week to have any stitch out and talk about the results.
- healing
Excision
The whole spot is removed under local anaesthetic and the skin is stitched. Everything removed is sent to a pathologist.
- local_hospital
Complex surgery
Larger or more complex skin cancers are referred to a surgical specialist, or privately to a surgeon of your choice.
Caring for your wound
- Keep the wound covered, clean and dry for the first 48 hours.
- After that, remove the dressing and bathe the wound in salty water or a weak antiseptic.
- Never leave a wet dressing on.
- If it hurts once the anaesthetic wears off, paracetamol is usually enough.
- Contact the practice if you have a lot of pain, bleeding or redness.
Book an appointment
Book online any time, with the doctor of your choice.