Skin cancer is a serious concern in Australia, where our high levels of UV radiation make sun exposure a significant risk factor. At Dermatology Clinics Australia, we are dedicated to providing expert skin cancer screenings, diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans to safeguard your skin health. With early detection and proper care, skin cancer is highly treatable, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin begin to grow uncontrollably, often due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. Australia’s intense sun exposure means that skin cancer is more common here than in many other parts of the world. Anyone can develop skin cancer, but the risk is higher for people with fair skin, a history of sunburn, or a family history of skin cancer.
The three main types of skin cancer include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common form, BCC is typically slow-growing and appears as a shiny bump, red patch, or sore that doesn’t heal. While it rarely spreads, untreated BCC can cause local damage and disfigurement, making early treatment important.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This type of skin cancer often manifests as a scaly, rough patch, or an open sore. Unlike BCC, SCC has a higher chance of spreading if not treated early, which can make it more dangerous. It often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, and hands.
- Melanoma: Although less common, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new, irregular mole that changes in size, shape, or colour. Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body, making early detection critical for successful treatment.
Our Skin Cancer Services
At Dermatology Clinics Australia, we offer comprehensive skin cancer assessments, diagnosis, and treatment. Our dermatologists have the expertise to detect skin cancer at its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. During a skin check, we will examine your skin carefully, looking for any suspicious moles, spots, or lesions that may need further investigation.
When Should You Get a Skin Check?
Regular skin checks are crucial, especially in a country like Australia, where sun exposure is a daily reality. We recommend annual skin checks for most adults, but if you have any of the following risk factors, more frequent checks may be necessary:
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Fair skin that burns easily
- A history of sunburns, particularly in childhood
- Frequent outdoor work or leisure activities
- A large number of moles or freckles
It’s important to monitor your skin for any changes, such as new growths, changes in existing moles, or sores that don’t heal. If you notice anything unusual, book an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If we detect a suspicious lesion during your skin check, we may perform a biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous. Should skin cancer be confirmed, we offer a range of treatment options based on the type, size, and location of the cancer, as well as your personal preferences. Our treatment options include:
- Surgical Excision: For most skin cancers, surgical removal is the most effective treatment. This involves excising the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure complete removal.
- Mohs Surgery: A specialised surgical technique used primarily for BCC and SCC, particularly in sensitive or high-risk areas like the face. Mohs surgery removes the cancerous cells layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Cryotherapy: This treatment involves freezing the cancerous cells with liquid nitrogen, effectively destroying them. It’s often used for early-stage SCC or actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition.
- Topical Treatments: For certain types of early skin cancers, prescription creams or gels may be applied directly to the lesion to destroy cancerous cells. This option is non-invasive and convenient, though it may require multiple applications.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT is a non-invasive treatment that combines a light-sensitising agent with a special light to target and destroy cancer cells.
Why Choose Dermatology Clinics Australia?
At Dermatology Clinics Australia, your skin health is our priority. Our team of dermatologists is highly experienced in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering you the most advanced care in a comfortable, supportive environment. We understand that every patient’s situation is unique, so we tailor our treatments to meet your specific needs. From regular skin checks to specialised treatments, we are committed to providing the highest level of care and expertise.
Protecting Your Skin
While we are here to help with treatment, prevention is the best defence against skin cancer. We recommend following sun-safe practices year-round, including:
- Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
- Seeking shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
- Avoiding tanning beds and excessive sun exposure
Remember, even on cloudy days or when indoors near windows, UV rays can still reach your skin, so daily sun protection is key.
We offer comprehensive skin cancer screenings and treatments to ensure early detection and provide the best possible care for our patients. Get in touch to book an appointment.