Skin Cancer Clinic Brisbane
Welcome to our Skin Cancer Clinic, where pioneering care meets innovation to combat skin cancer.
Our clinic stands at the forefront of diagnosing, treating, and educating about skin cancer, offering hope and healing to those affected.
With a dedicated team of specialists, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Skin Cancer Clinic - Services
Our clinic offers a wide range of services designed to detect and treat skin cancer at its earliest stages.
From initial screenings to advanced treatments, our goal is to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Services include:
Skin Cancer Screenings
- Early detection through regular screenings can save lives.
- Our clinic utilizes the latest technologies to identify skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
Diagnostic Procedures
We offer a variety of diagnostic procedures, including biopsies and shave biopsies, to accurately diagnose skin cancer. These procedures are performed with the utmost care by our skilled professionals.
Skin Cancer Clinic - Understanding Skin Cancers
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, yet it’s also one of the most preventable.
Our clinic specializes in treating all types of skin cancer, including:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, but it’s also one of the most treatable forms. It usually develops in areas of your skin that get a lot of sun exposure, like your face, neck, and arms.
BCC grows slowly and is contained to the surface of your skin, which means it doesn’t usually spread to other parts of the body, making it less dangerous than some other types of skin cancers.
What Does BCC Look Like?
The main cause of BCC is long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds.
People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes, who sunburn easily or have a history of excessive sun exposure, are at higher risk.
Why Does It Happen?
The main cause of BCC is long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds.
People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes, who sunburn easily or have a history of excessive sun exposure, are at higher risk.
Treatment Options
The good news is that BCC is highly treatable, especially when caught early.
- Treatments can include minor surgery to remove the cancerous area, topical treatments (creams or ointments), or sometimes radiation therapy.
- The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and depth of the cancer.
Preventing BCC
The best way to prevent BCC is to protect your skin from the sun.
- This includes using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds.
- Regular skin checks by a dermatologist can also help catch BCC early when it’s easiest to treat.
Remember, if you notice any new or changing spots on your skin, it’s important to get them checked by a doctor. Early detection and treatment are key to successfully managing BCC.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is a common form of skin cancer that arises from the squamous cells in the outer layer of the skin.
It can occur on any part of the body, but is most often found in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands.
If not treated in a timely manner, SCC has the potential to become more aggressive, meaning it can grow deeper or spread to other parts of the body.
What Does SCC Look Like?
SCC can present itself in various forms:
- Firm red nodule,
- Flat sore with a scaly crust,
- New sore or raised area on an old scar or ulcer.
These lesions may feel tender or bleed easily. Sometimes, the skin in the affected area shows signs of damage from the sun, such as wrinkles, changes in pigmentation, or loss of elasticity.
Why Does It Happen?
- The primary cause of SCC is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds.
- The risk of developing SCC increases with age, particularly for those with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes.
- Other risk factors include a history of sunburns, excessive sun exposure, and a weakened immune system.
Treatment Options
- Early detection and treatment of SCC are crucial to prevent it from becoming more aggressive.
- Treatment options vary depending on the size, location, and severity of the cancer but may include surgical removal of the cancerous tissue, radiation therapy, or topical chemotherapy.
- In some cases, a procedure called Mohs surgery is used, which involves removing the cancer layer by layer and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
Preventing SCC
- Preventing SCC involves protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats), and seek shade during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Avoiding tanning beds is also crucial.
- Regular skin examinations by a healthcare professional can help detect SCC early, when it is most treatable.
Melanoma
Melanoma is recognized as the most serious and deadliest form of skin cancer. It originates in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.
Unlike other skin cancers, melanoma has a high potential to spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and internal organs, making it more dangerous if not detected and treated early.
What Does Melanoma Look Like?
Melanoma can vary greatly in appearance. It often presents as a new dark spot on the skin or a change in an existing mole.
Key characteristics to watch for include asymmetry (one half of the mole doesn’t match the other), irregular borders, changes in color, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or any evolution in size, shape, or color.
Melanomas can also be red, white, or blue, not just brown or black.
Why Does It Happen?
The exact cause of melanoma isn’t completely understood, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma.
Other risk factors include having fair skin, a history of sunburn, numerous moles or unusual moles, a family history of melanoma, and a weakened immune system.
Treatment Options
- The treatment for melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis.
- Early-stage melanomas can often be treated effectively with surgical removal, which involves excising the melanoma along with a margin of normal skin.
- For more advanced melanomas, additional treatments may be necessary, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
- Early detection through regular skin checks plays a crucial role in the successful treatment of melanoma.
Preventing Melanoma
Preventing melanoma involves taking steps to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.
This includes using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, seeking shade during the midday hours when the sun is strongest, and avoiding tanning beds.
Regular self-examinations of your skin to check for new moles or changes in existing moles, as well as annual skin exams by a dermatologist, are important preventive measures.
Treatment of Skin Cancers
Our treatment approach is personalized, combining the latest advancements in skin cancer treatment with compassionate care. Treatments include:
Excision Biopsy
Removing the cancerous tissue and a small margin of healthy skin to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated.
Flaps Surgery
A technique used to repair the site of excision, especially in areas where appearance and function are important.
Medications
Topical and systemic medications to treat or control skin cancer.
Advanced Skin Cancer Treatments:
For more advanced cases, we offer innovative treatments, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, to combat aggressive skin cancers.
Skin Cancer Clinic
Our clinic is not just a place for treatment; it’s a beacon of hope and a source of information. We understand the journey with skin cancer is personal and filled with challenges.
That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from prevention to treatment and beyond. Our team is here to answer your questions, provide reassurance, and offer the highest quality of care.
Book Your Appointment Today: Don’t wait to take the first step towards a healthier future. Contact us to schedule your appointment and begin your journey to recovery. Our team is ready to provide you with the care and support you need.
Book - Skin Cancer - Check up
Dr Renee Veinotte
