At Skin Experts, we offer a comprehensive range of skin cancer treatments and procedures tailored to your specific needs. In Australia, where two in three people are diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70 (Cancer Council of Australia), timely and effective treatment is critical. Our expert dermatologists and advanced facilities ensure precise, personalized care to remove cancerous lesions while prioritizing your comfort and cosmetic outcomes.

Why Skin Cancer Treatment Matters

Australia’s high ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels, driven by our sunny climate, make skin cancer the most common cancer in the country, with over 1 million treatments annually, including 16,000 melanoma cases. Skin cancer results from UV-induced DNA damage, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Early, targeted treatment is essential to prevent progression, especially for aggressive forms like melanoma, which causes most skin cancer deaths but has over 90% survival rates when treated early.

Types of Skin Cancer We Treat

We provide specialized treatments for all major skin cancer types and precancerous conditions, ensuring the best approach for each diagnosis:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common skin cancer, appearing as pearly or waxy bumps, shiny nodules, or persistent sores. Rarely spreads but can cause disfigurement if untreated.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type, presenting as red, scaly patches or sores that may bleed. Can metastasize if not addressed early.

• Melanoma: The most dangerous form, often resembling moles with irregular borders or colors. Highly treatable early but potentially fatal if it spreads.

• Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC): A rare, aggressive cancer with a 30% mortality rate, appearing as painless, shiny lumps.

• Actinic Keratoses (AK): Precancerous scaly growths caused by prolonged UV exposure, often on the face, scalp, or hands, which can progress to SCC if untreated.

Our Treatment Options

Our dermatologists customize treatments based on the cancer type, stage, location, and your overall health. Common procedures include:

1. Surgical Excision:

   • Description: Removes the cancerous lesion and a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated. Performed under local anesthetic.

   • Suitable For: BCC, SCC, melanoma, and some MCC cases.

   • Duration: 30-60 minutes.

   • Benefits: High cure rates, effective for most skin cancers.

   • Considerations: May result in moderate scarring, depending on lesion size and location.

2. Cryotherapy:

   • Description: Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal cells at temperatures as low as -89°C. The treated area forms a scab that heals within 1-2 weeks.

   • Suitable For: Superficial BCC, SCC in situ (Bowen’s disease), actinic keratoses.

   • Duration: 5-10 minutes.

   • Benefits: Minimally invasive, minimal scarring, quick recovery.

   • Considerations: May require multiple sessions; not suitable for aggressive melanomas or hairy areas.

3. Curettage and Electrodessication:

   • Description: Scrapes away cancerous tissue (curettage) and uses an electric current to destroy remaining cells (electrodessication). Performed under local anesthetic.

   • Suitable For: Superficial BCC and SCC.

   • Duration: 15-30 minutes.

   • Benefits: Effective for small, superficial lesions; relatively quick.

   • Considerations: May leave a small scar; not ideal for deeper cancers.

4. Mohs Surgery:

   • Description: Removes cancer layer by layer, examining each under a microscope to preserve healthy tissue. Ideal for facial areas or recurrent cancers.

   • Suitable For: BCC, SCC, some melanomas.

   • Duration: 1-3 hours.

   • Benefits: Highest cure rates, minimal scarring, preserves healthy tissue.

   • Considerations: More complex and time-intensive; requires specialized expertise.

5. Topical Treatments:

   • Description: Medicated creams or gels (e.g., imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil) applied to treat superficial cancers or precancerous lesions over weeks.

   • Suitable For: Superficial BCC, SCC in situ, actinic keratoses.

   • Duration: Applied daily for weeks, as prescribed.

   • Benefits: Non-invasive, minimal scarring, suitable for early-stage lesions.

   • Considerations: May cause skin irritation; requires patient compliance.

6. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):

   • Description: Uses a photosensitizing agent and light to destroy cancer cells, targeting superficial lesions.

   • Suitable For: Superficial BCC, SCC in situ, actinic keratoses.

   • Duration: 1-2 hours per session.

   • Benefits: Non-invasive, excellent cosmetic results.

   • Considerations: May require multiple sessions; temporary light sensitivity.

Our Treatment Process

1. Diagnosis: Following a skin cancer check or biopsy, we confirm the cancer type and stage.

2. Consultation: Our dermatologists discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, and expected outcomes, addressing any concerns.

3. Procedure: Treatments are performed in our state-of-the-art clinic, often under local anesthetic, ensuring comfort and safety.

4. Post-Treatment Care: We provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize complications.

5. Follow-Up: Regular check-ups monitor for recurrence and assess healing, with digital imaging for high-risk patients.

Post-Treatment Care Guidelines

• Keep the treated area clean, dry, and covered for 48-72 hours.

• Avoid strenuous activity or stretching the treated site to prevent wound reopening.

• Use paracetamol for pain; avoid aspirin to reduce bleeding risk.

• Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus) or excessive bleeding and contact us immediately if observed.

• Protect the area from sun exposure to prevent pigmentation changes.

• Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery.

Who Needs Skin Cancer Treatment?

Treatment is necessary for anyone diagnosed with skin cancer or precancerous lesions. You may be at higher risk if you have:

• Prior Skin Cancer: Increases likelihood of recurrence.

• Family History: Particularly for melanoma.

• Fair Skin: Less melanin increases UV damage risk.

• Sunburn History: Severe sunburns, especially in childhood, cause 95% of melanomas.

• Numerous Moles: Over 50 moles or atypical moles elevate risk.

• Tanning Bed Use: Artificial UV exposure significantly increases risk.

• Immunosuppression: Weakened immune systems (e.g., organ transplant recipients).

• Frequent Sun Exposure: Common in Australia’s outdoor lifestyle.

Signs Prompting Treatment

Seek treatment if you notice:

• Pearly or waxy bumps, scaly patches, or non-healing sores (BCC, SCC).

• Moles with irregular borders, multiple colors, or changes in size/shape (melanoma).

• Scaly, crusty growths on sun-exposed areas (actinic keratoses).

• Rapidly growing, shiny lumps (MCC).

• Itching, bleeding, or tenderness in any lesion.

Use the ABCDE rule for melanoma:

• Asymmetry: Uneven mole shape.

• Border: Irregular or ragged edges.

• Color: Multiple or uneven colors.

• Diameter: Larger than 6mm.

• Evolving: Changes in appearance or symptoms.

Prognosis with Treatment

• Melanoma: Over 90% 5-year survival rate when treated early; advanced cases benefit from targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

• Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers (BCC, SCC): Nearly 100% curable with early intervention.

• Actinic Keratoses: Treatment prevents progression to SCC, improving long-term outcomes.

Australia’s advanced treatment programs contribute to excellent prognosis when skin cancer is addressed promptly.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Prevent recurrence and new cancers with the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide campaign:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing (long sleeves, pants).

• Slop on SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours.

• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.

• Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

• Slide on UV-protective sunglasses.

Additional tips:

• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

• Monitor the UV Index via daily weather reports.

• Schedule regular skin checks (annually or every 6-12 months for high-risk individuals).

• Perform monthly self-examinations to detect changes early.

Book Your Consultation Today

With skin cancer affecting over 1 million Australians annually, effective treatment is essential. Contact Skin Experts to discuss your diagnosis or schedule a skin check to catch issues early. Our compassionate, expert approach ensures optimal outcomes and lasting skin health.

Aspect	Details
Treatments	Surgical excision, cryotherapy, curettage, Mohs surgery, topical treatments, photodynamic therapy
Duration	5 minutes (cryotherapy) to 3 hours (Mohs surgery)
Risk Factors	Sun exposure, fair skin, family history, prior skin cancer, tanning beds
Key Symptoms	Non-healing sores, changing moles, scaly patches, shiny lumps
Prognosis	>90% survival for early melanoma; ~100% for BCC/SCC
Prevention	Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide; regular skin checks
Contact	Book online or call Skin Experts for your consultation