Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions in Australia. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia.
There are about 3/4 of a million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Australia each year, but the good news is that early detection of skin cancer almost always leads to a successful cure.
Skin cancer falls into two broad areas: non-melanoma skin cancer (basal-cell cancer BCC and squamous-cell cancer SCC), and melanoma.
The most common skin cancers are basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas.(BCC & SCC). These are non-melanoma skin cancers that are slow growing, easily treated and rarely lead to death. When neglected, non-melanoma skin cancers can grow large enough to become disfiguring and can spread. Malignant melanoma is less common, but more dangerous. The incidence of melanoma has increased dramatically over the past decade, but survival rates also have improved because more cases are being diagnosed early.
Unfortunately, each year over 1000 Australians die from malignant melanoma, including some children.
The good news is that Australian survival rates from melanoma are generally higher than in other countries because we are now more aware of the signs of skin cancer, and detect them early.
The main aim of our clinic is to detect skin cancer as early as possible so as to reduce the suffering and death rates from skin cancer. We also put a large emphasis on skin cancer prevention and UV-avoidance strategies.
Our clinic uses the latest technology to visualize and diagnose moles and other spots on your skin. Digital epiluminescence light microscopy allows the Doctor to perform a very high resolution examination of your skin.
While we appreciate the importance of your modesty it is also important that we do not miss any abnormal skin lesions. To this end we recommend that patients consider to remove all their clothing. However you can choose to leave your underwear on. The Doctor will examine your skin using the above technology from your toes to your head. If you decide not to have a complete examination, then we will also respect your decision in this regard and examine only those areas which you request.
The clinic is a consultation only. Any treatments suggested and consented to will require a new appointment.
Cryotherapy is most commonly used for the treatment of solar keratoses (sun-spots). It is extremely cold and destroys the abnormal cells by causing them to expand thus disrupting the cell membrane. The process does sting a little and has an uncomfortable itch for an hour or so after the procedure. The frozen areas will form into little ‘sores’ which will take approximately a week to heal, but this will depend on the depth of freeze which is determined by the thickness of the sun-spot.
Lesions treated with cryotherapy can be washed normally but it is important to avoid rubbing or scratching the individual ‘sores’.
At our surgery we endeavour to avoid excessive freezing which causes white scars, however this may be unavoidable when very thick/large lesions are treated.
Topical creams containing meds such as 5-fluorouracil(Efudix) or Imiquimod(Aldara) may be used.
Electro-Cautery is a small burn, and tends to be used primarily for the treatment of superficial neoplastic lesions. In other words, patches of abnormal growing cells which usually have little thickness and simply sit in the top layers of the skin. Often a local anaesthetic is used, it tends not to be painful afterwards and forms into a small sore which usually heals within a week with no scarring.
Lesions treated with electro-cautery can be washed normally but it is important to avoid rubbing or scratching the individual ‘sores’.
Minor surgery is used for the removal of skin cancers or abnormal moles. The use of digital epiluminescence light microscopy allows more accurate diagnosis, thus reducing the number of ‘normal’ moles removed.
Involves injection of a small amount of local anaesthetic and then removing a very small sample of tissue to be sent to the Pathologist for examination. Biopsies will sometimes (but not always) be closed with one suture to reduce any risk of bleeding. The Doctor will usually get you back in a week to remove the suture and discuss the pathology results with you.
Involves injection of local anaesthetic followed by removal of the entire lesion. This can involve a number of techniques but will require the Doctor to suture the skin to repair the wound. You will be advised when to return to have the sutures removed. All specimens removed are sent for testing by Pathologists.
Most wounds will feel a little sore once the local anaesthetic has worn off. Often, no pain relief is required but if necessary, a dose of paracetamol is adequate to make you feel more comfortable.
It is important that wounds are kept covered, clean and dry for the first 48 hours after minor surgery. After this time, the dressings can be removed and the wound can be bathed using salty water or a weak antiseptic solution. Never leave a wet dressing on the wound.
If you have any problems with your wound such as excessive pain, bleeding or redness, then please contact the clinic.
There are some forms of skin cancer which require larger or more complex surgery. Our clinic has a very good working relationship with surgical specialists to whom more advanced or complicated cases will be sent. Alternatively you can be referred privately to a (plastic) surgeon of your choice in a capital city. You can be assured we only recommend those surgeons with the finest.
Our experienced doctors will perform a complete examination to check all moles and skin lesions to detect any skin cancers.
A patient usually requires a 15-30 minute consultation with our doctor depending on number of moles present.
Your Doctor will ask to you make another appointment to undertake the required treatment.
No, though it is recommended; patients usually undress only to their underwear.
It is recommended by The Cancer Council and our Doctor to undertake a skin cancer check at least once a year. In addition, it is important to continue to check your own skin during this time for any changes to your skin.
Moles – Any new moles; a change in current moles; lumpy texture; pain; itchiness; scabs; crusts; and bleeding.
Pigment – Any change in skin pigmentation can be a sign of skin cancer. Look especially for brown or red spots that are rough or scaly in texture.
Sores – Any sores or scabs that are non-healing or reoccurring can be skin cancer. These sores are especially common on the face, ears, lips, nose and hands.
Mystery Scars – Some cancers that develop look like scars that are firm to the touch. If you have developed a scar that the origin is a mystery, it may be cancer.
Texture – Any change in skin texture or appearance can be a warning sign. Be on the lookout for rough or scaly patches; lumps and bumps; and discoloured skin.
The doctors undergo continuous, comprehensive education through the RACGP accredited training program and is skilled and equipped to diagnose and manage skin cancer. Furthermore, the doctors are trained in the latest surgical and non-surgical treatment options. This means greater success in early detection, treatment and prevention of skin cancer; guaranteeing patients receive optimum care.
