SKIN CANCER MEDICINE
Our practice specialises in the diagnosis and management of skin cancer. Our Doctors have extensive training and experience to easily identify suspect moles or lesions, and provide recommendations as to the appropriate treatment.
Based on different factors, including the size, type of cancer and location, treatment options include:
- Cryotherapy (a freezing treatment using liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal skin cells.)
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
- Surgical Excision
With Queensland having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, we recommend regular skin checks to ensure that any skin cancers and pre-cancerous changes are identified sooner rather than later.
Skin cancer checks are recommended annually. Both male and female doctors are available for skin checks.
Pre-Cancerous Skin Spots
Sunspots (known as actinic keratosis or solar keratosis), are a common skin condition resulting from sun damage over many years.
These pre-cancerous skin spots are usually rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the head, face, arms, hands and legs. Due to our climate, it is common, especially in older people or people with fair skin, to have many sunspots at a time.
Why treat solar keratosis
Sunspots / actinic keratosis are considered pre-cancerous or an early form of skin cancer (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma).
While the risk of an individual actinic keratosis developing into a skin cancer is very low, if multiple actinic keratoses are present (for example on the lip, scalp or ears) the risk is greater. Most people find sunspots unsightly or uncomfortable and are keen to have them removed
Treatment Options
Treatment of actinic keratosis requires the removal of the damaged skin cells, allowing the surrounding healthy skin to regenerate.
Our Doctors offer a range of treatment options to meet individual skin needs. Treatment options for solar keratosis include:
- Photodymanic Therapy (PDT)
- Cryotherpay, using liquid nitrogen
- Field treatments, such as Efudix, Aldara and Picato
Prevention of Solar Keratosis
The only way to prevent sunspots / actinic keratosis is to reduce sun exposure. There is evidence to support that using very high sun protection factor (SPF 50+) broad-spectrum sunscreen applied at least daily to affected areas, year-round, may prevent existing actinic keratosis from worsening.