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F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. There are three main types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
The main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to UV radiation. Most parts of Australia have high levels of UV radiation all year round. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt and it is not related to temperature, but it can cause.
Anyone can develop skin cancer. However, the risk is higher in people who have:
  1. fair skin, especially if it burns easily, is prone to freckles and doesn’t tan
  2. red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes
  3. experienced short, intense periods of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, e.g. on holidays or playing sport, especially if it caused sunburn
  4. actively tanned or used solariums
  5. worked outdoors
  6. a weakened immune system, which could be caused by taking certain medicines after an organ transplant or being HIV-positive
  7. numerous moles on their body
  8. a personal or family history of skin cancer.
People with olive or very dark skin naturally have more protection against UV radiation because their skin produces more melanin than fair-skinned people. However, they can still develop skin cancer.
Generally you will be advised to have Biopsy or tumour removed.
It is method to test suspicious skin lesion. It can punch biopsy or shaved biopsy or excisional biopsy. Local anaesthetic is used to perform biopsy, In case of punch biopsy a special instrument is used to punch out portion of the lesion.
Under local anaesthesia surface of the lesion is shaved off and sent for histopathological examinations.
If the biopsy conform the skin cancer, after discussing with you, doctor perform the surgery using local anaesthetic. The lesion along with safe margin of normal tissue is excised. Normal tissue is excised to ensure the whole tumour is completely gone.

Australia has highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australian will develop some kind of skin cancer before the age of 70. To reduce the risk protect the skin from UV rays. Be sunsmart.

Protect yourself in 5 ways:

  1. Slip on clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs.
  2. Slop on SPF30+ or higher broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen.
  3. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, ears and neck.
  4. Seek shade whenever you can especially when UV levels are highest between10am and 2pm (11am and 3pm during daylight saving).
  5. Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS1067 and that fit your face well.
We book for 15 minutes consultation and examination. It may take shorter or longer depending on skin condition. Please arrive early and allow some time to be seen at the clinic by the doctor.
Referral is not required. However, if you have regular GP, please bring his full address so that we can send the report to him.

Our consultations for skin cancer checkup and most procedures are covered by Medicare benefits that are bulk billed without any out of pocket expenses.

Cost for procedure that are not covered by Medicare benefits or any treatment that may incur additional cost will be discussed prior to treatment.

Cosmetic procedure: Private billing

Please bring your current medicare card, If you have pension card/ VA Gold card-you need bring it as well.

Please DONOT WEAR ANY MAKE UP

For Full skin examination –we advise to undress, leaving your underclothes on. However, you may choose to examine areas /spots of your concern without undressing.
Choose a 30+ sunscreen. Use waterproof sunscreen if you are swimming or sweating lot. Look for the cancer council logo for the best results.
Apply generously 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours.