170 Normanby Street,
Warragul VIC 3820
Warragul VIC 3820
Call 03 5642 6786
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia accounting for 80% of newly diagnosed cancers.
It is due to the development of abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
Majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
In Australia, more than 10,000 men and woman are diagnosed with melanoma each year and around 400,000 people have had either BCC or SCC removed.
Every year around 1750 people still die from melanoma and around 400 people die from SCC.
Majority of skin cancers ae curable if it is detected early enough.
Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Don’t get sunburnt.
Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
Apply 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every three hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
Keep babies out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
Check your skin head to toe every month.
See a skin doctor at least once a year for a professional skin examination.
A spot check comprises of a single consultation to examine up to 5 spots. In a follow up spot check, previous imagines can be compared to detect any changes.
A skin check is a thorough examination of the entire body using Dermoscopy to find any suspicious lesions.
The Dermoscopy enables the doctors to visualise and evaluate individual lesions at a microscopic level.
Dermoscopic images are then stored within the FotoFinder system for future comparison. Using side by side comparison your doctor can detect moles that are new or have changed over time.
The skin check includes taking your medical history, including previous sun UV exposure, as well as undertaking a detailed examination of your skin. If any moles or lesions have developed or changed in size or nature recently, our doctors will assess and recommend the necessary treatment.
Please inform your doctor about any skin lesions you are concerned about no matter where they are.
We recommend you see your skin doctor for a skin cancer check annually. As well as scheduling your annual assessment, you should see your doctor should you notice any of the following signs:
Mapping involves complete body photography where you are photographed systematically from head to toe with the FotoFinder machine for mole comparison in the future.
The FotoFinder captures and compares high – resolution images of the entire body to detect microscopic changes at the very earliest stages minimising the risk of developing into more dangerous skin cancers.
In addition to this, you will receive a thorough full body skin check with the use of dermoscope.
Most skin mapping appointments will take about 45 minutes, however sometimes a little longer. Please allow extra time in case you have other appointments.
Skin cancers can be removed surgically at Warragul Skin Cancer Clinic. Our doctors are trained in advanced surgery techniques and have extensive experience in the management of skin cancers.
If abnormal lesions are identified there are various types of treatment options.
You may be advised to have a biopsy or excision, which is performed under local anaesthesia in one of our specially equipped procedure rooms.
Removal of a lesion happens in one of two different ways, a biopsy or a formal excision. A biopsy is a method whereby a small part of the lesion is removed and sent for analysis.
Formal excision usually take a little longer. This is when the entire lesion is removed and the wound sutured. This lesion is also sent to pathology for analysis.
You will be required to return to the clinic after a period of time to receive your results and have the sutures removed.
If abnormal lesions are identified there are various types of treatment options.
You may be advised to return for a biopsy or excision of a suspicious lesion, performed in one of our specially equipped procedure rooms. This will then be sent to pathology for analysis.
The sample of tissue will then be sent to pathology for analysis.
Skin cancers can be removed surgically at the Warragul Skin Cancer Clinic.
Our doctors are trained in advanced surgery techniques and have extensive experience in the management of skin cancers.
Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is also an effective way to treat several skin conditions, including Actinic Keratosis, commonly known as 'pre skin cancer'.
At times, a referral to a specialised surgeon may be necessary, your doctor will discuss this with you.