Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, largely due to the country’s high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. However, with early detection and timely treatment, most skin cancers can be effectively managed or completely cured. 


Our general practice offers a comprehensive range of skin cancer detection and management services, enabling patients to maintain healthy skin and minimise the risk of serious complications, including:

  • Skin checks for early detection
  • Biopsies and minor surgical procedures
  • Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care
  • Specialist referrals for complex or advanced cases


We aim to deliver timely, effective, and evidence-based care to protect your skin health. Early diagnosis and preventive practices are your best defence against skin cancer. If you have any concerns about a mole or skin change, book a consultation with your doctor today.


What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer develops when skin cells are damaged—typically by UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds—leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Over time, these abnormal cells can form a malignant tumour.


Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common and least dangerous form. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but if left untreated, it can cause local tissue damage.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type, which may grow faster and occasionally spread. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications.
  • Melanoma: The most serious form of skin cancer, which can spread rapidly to other organs if not detected early. Melanoma often appears as a new or changing mole and requires prompt medical attention.


Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but some factors significantly increase risk:

  • Frequent sun exposure: Especially without adequate protection.
  • Fair skin: Individuals with fair skin, light hair, or light eyes burn more easily.
  • History of sunburn: Even a few severe sunburns can increase long-term risk.
  • Family or personal history of skin cancer: Genetic predisposition plays a role.
  • Weakened immune system: Those with reduced immunity (e.g., organ transplant recipients) are more vulnerable.
  • Outdoor occupation or lifestyle: Farmers, builders, and outdoor sports enthusiasts are often at higher risk.


Understanding your individual risk helps determine how often you should have skin checks and what precautions are necessary.


Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can present in many ways. Regular self-checks and professional skin examinations help detect abnormalities early. Warning signs include:

  • New or changing moles: Any change in size, shape, or colour should be checked.
  • Sores that do not heal: Persistent spots that bleed or crust over repeatedly.
  • Lumps or growths: Especially if they are shiny, scaly, or ulcerated.
  • Changes in sensation: Itchiness, tenderness, or pain in a mole or patch of skin.


For melanomas, remember the ABCDE rule:

  • A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
  • B – Border: Irregular, blurred, or notched edges.
  • C – Colour: Uneven colour or multiple shades.
  • D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm or growing.
  • E – Evolving: Any change in appearance, shape, or sensation.

If you notice any of these changes, book a skin check with your doctor promptly.


Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

Our practice provides comprehensive diagnostic assessments to identify and confirm skin cancer at the earliest possible stage.

  • Skin Checks: During a consultation, your doctor will perform a thorough skin examination, assessing moles, freckles, and other lesions using a dermatoscope for detailed inspection.
  • Biopsy: If a suspicious lesion is found, a small tissue sample is removed under local anaesthetic and sent for pathology testing. This confirms whether the lesion is cancerous and identifies the type and stage.
  • Mole Mapping or Monitoring: In some cases, regular photographic documentation helps track skin changes over time, especially in patients with many moles or a history of skin cancer.
  • Referral for Specialist Assessment: If a complex or advanced lesion is suspected, referral to a dermatologist or skin cancer surgeon may be arranged for further investigation and management.


Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer. The goal is to remove all cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.


Common treatments include:

  • Cryotherapy: Freezing small or superficial skin cancers with liquid nitrogen.
  • Surgical Excision: The most common and effective treatment. The doctor removes the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete clearance.
  • Curettage and Cautery: Scraping away cancerous tissue and sealing the area with heat.
  • Topical Treatments: Special prescription creams (such as imiquimod or fluorouracil) may treat superficial cancers or pre-cancerous lesions.
  • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A light-sensitive medication and special light source target and destroy cancer cells.
  • Radiotherapy: Occasionally used for large or hard-to-treat lesions when surgery is unsuitable.
  • Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A specialised technique performed by dermatologic surgeons for high-risk or facial cancers, allowing precise removal while preserving healthy tissue.


Our doctors will discuss the most appropriate option based on your individual diagnosis and overall health.


What to Expect Before a Skin Cancer Check or Procedure?

Before your appointment, we recommend:

  • Avoiding makeup or sunscreen on the day of your skin check so your doctor can see your skin clearly.
  • Bringing details of any previous skin treatments or biopsies.
  • Noting any concerns: Write down any spots or changes you’ve noticed to discuss during your appointment.
  • Wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas of concern.


If a biopsy or procedure is planned, you will receive clear instructions on preparation, wound care, and follow-up arrangements.


What Happens During a Skin Cancer Consultation?

During your visit, your GP will:

  • Review your medical and sun exposure history.
  • Examine your skin from head to toe using a dermatoscope.
  • Identify and discuss any suspicious lesions.
  • Perform a biopsy or minor excision if required, usually under local anaesthetic.
  • Provide wound care instructions and arrange for follow-up.


Most minor procedures are completed in the clinic with minimal discomfort and downtime.


Aftercare and Follow-Up

After a biopsy or excision:

  • Keep the area clean and dry: Follow your doctor’s wound care instructions.
  • Monitor for infection: Redness, swelling, or discharge should be reported.
  • Return for suture removal: Usually within 5–14 days, depending on the site.
  • Await pathology results: Your doctor will contact you to discuss results and any further treatment required.


Regular follow-up skin checks are essential, as people who have had one skin cancer are at higher risk of developing others.


Skin Cancer Prevention and Long-Term Care

Preventing skin cancer involves both lifestyle measures and regular monitoring:

  • Use sunscreen daily: SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, reapplied every two hours outdoors.
  • Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, wide-brim hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Seek shade: Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm when UV levels are highest.
  • Avoid tanning beds: Artificial UV radiation increases skin cancer risk.
  • Perform self-checks: Examine your skin every 3 months for new or changing lesions.
  • Schedule professional checks: Annually, or more often if you are at higher risk.


Early detection is key—most skin cancers can be cured if treated early.


When to See a Doctor Urgently

Book an urgent appointment if you notice:

  • A new or rapidly changing mole.
  • A sore that won’t heal or continues to bleed.
  • Persistent itching, tenderness, or colour changes in a mole.
  • Thickened, scaly, or ulcerated patches of skin.


Delaying assessment can allow cancer to progress, requiring more extensive treatment.


Costs and Billing

Please note that skin cancer checks and procedures may not be bulk billed. Fees vary depending on the complexity of the service, pathology testing, and the duration of the procedure. Medicare rebates may not apply in all cases. We recommend confirming fees with our reception team before your consultation.