services
Skin Cancer Checks
and Treatments
Prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer.
Picton Family Medical Centre offers skin cancer treatments performed by our caring practitioners.
The doctors at Picton Medical Centre are experienced in skin checks, early detection, and treatment of all types of skin cancer. We know how important skin health is in our sun-loving country and are devoted to ensuring your wellness remains a priority at the same time.
Skin Cancer Checks & Comprehensive Services
- Full-body skin examinations
- Dermoscopy for lesion analysis
- Biopsy of suspicious lesions
- Surgical excision of skin cancers
- Non-surgical treatments (cryotherapy)
- Ongoing surveillance for high-risk patients
- Education on sun protection and skin self-examinations
Our clinic is a patient-focused skin cancer clinic offering comprehensive services for treatment and guidance across this spectrum.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime.
The main types of skin cancer are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is the most common but least aggressive and rarely spreads beyond the original site.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common, a little more concerning, and can spread if not treated.
Melanoma
The most serious skin cancer, it can be life-threatening if not detected early. Early detection is key to treatment, so regular skin checks are very important. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can often be effectively treated with small biopsies and excisions without needing referrals to other specialists.
Other skin cancers also require attention, and comprehensive skin cancer detection and monitoring services are essential for early detection and proactive management.
Skin Cancer Risks & Prevention
Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer due to various factors. These include:
- People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
- Those with a family history of skin cancer
- Individuals with a history of sunburn, especially during childhood
- People with a weakened immune system
- Those who have had previous skin cancers
- Individuals with certain genetic conditions, such as albinism or xeroderma pigmentosum.
If you fall into these categories, you must take extra precautions to protect your skin from sun damage and undergo regular checks, which are key for early detection and effective treatment of skin cancers overall.
Early Detection and Prevention
As we’ve noted, early detection is crucial in treating and managing skin cancer. Here are some ways to help prevent this form of cancer:
- Protect your skin from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
- Avoid using solariums and tanning beds.
- Perform regular skin self-examinations to detect any changes or new growths.
- Get a professional skin check from a doctor or dermatologist, especially if you’re at high risk.
- Use the ABCDE rule to identify potential skin cancers: Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, and Evolving
By taking these preventive measures and being aware of the risks, you can reduce your likelihood of developing skin cancer and detect it early if it does occur.
Why Choose Our Skin Cancer Clinic For Skin Cancer Care?
Convenient On-Site Procedures
From biopsies to surgical excisions, we do most skin cancer procedures in our clinic, saving you time on referrals to other specialists.
Holistic Care
As a family medical centre, we consider your overall health and family history when assessing skin cancer risk and developing treatment plans. We consider any predispositions and ensure we thoroughly understand your health background.
Regular Checks With The Same Doctor
Regular skin checks with the same doctor mean you and your doctor get to know your skin intimately, and we can monitor changes over time.
It’s important to be proactive about your own skin by scheduling regular checks to ensure early detection and intervention.
Patient Education
We focus on prevention and early detection and educate our clients on sun protection and self-examination techniques.
Skin Cancer Check and Detection Process
At Picton Family Medical, our team will assist you as soon as you walk through the door.
Full body skin examination
Early detection of skin cancers through thorough examinations is crucial for effective treatment. Your doctor will examine your entire skin surface, including areas not exposed to the sun.
Dermatoscopy
We use handheld devices to examine skin lesions in detail for more accurate diagnosis.
Digital imaging
For patients with multiple moles, we may use digital dermoscopy to monitor changes over time.
Biopsy
If a suspicious lesion is found, we can do a biopsy in our clinic for a definitive diagnosis.
Skin Cancer Treatment
If there is a skin cancer found, we offer a range of treatments:
Surgical Excision
The most common treatment for skin cancers is done under local anaesthetic in our clinic.
Curettage and Cautery
Scraping away the cancer and sealing the wound for small, low-risk tumours.
Cryotherapy
Freezing of small, superficial skin cancers and precancerous lesions.
Topical Treatments
Creams or gels that can be applied to certain skin cancers or precancerous lesions.
Ongoing Care and Monitoring
We develop a personalised surveillance plan for patients at high risk of skin cancer. This may include frequent skin checks, digital mole mapping and ongoing education and support.
Our electronic medical record system allows us to monitor your skin over time in great detail for complete care.
Other Services
Our skin cancer services are part of our whole health approach. We can link your skin checks with other health checks, such as:
• General health checks
• Immunisations
• Chronic disease management
• Women’s Health
• Men’s health checks
This way, we can consider and manage all aspects of your health as holistically as possible.
Book Now!
Don’t wait for a mole to become a problem. Book your full-body skin cancer check today to ensure early detection and peace of mind.
Call 02 4677 0533 or book online. Look after your skin and your health – early detection is key.