Skin Cancer / Melanoma

Depending on the type of skin cancer, we offer a range of treatments, from topical treatments (creams), photodynamic (cream followed by intense red light), laser therapy and surgery. We also have treatments for other sun-induced skin problems, such as sun spots, increased pigmentation, prominent capillaries and wrinkles.

Treatment for skin cancer/melanoma is usually performed under local anaesthetic. In most cases, stitches are used to close the wound, leaving a subtle, straight-line scar. However, for certain areas of the body or larger cancers, a skin graft may be necessary.

Many patients have spots or blemishes that are not skin cancer, but patients often want them removed for aesthetic reasons. Some small, thin spots can be removed with IPL or a laser, which can leave virtually no scarring. Blemishes that are the result of burst vessels or thin veins in the skin can also be treated with a vascular laser. This laser targets only the blood vessels and leaves the skin untouched, meaning there is no scarring. The procedure is performed without the need for anaesthetic or hospitalisation. The Sciton laser machine is an extremely accurate ablative laser, that produces very little collateral tissue injury, hence minimising complications such as scarring and hyper or hypo-pigmentation.

Melanoma

Melanoma begins in the cells that produce pigment in the skin. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. If not detected early, melanoma may spread to the surrounding lymph glands or other organs. To treat melanoma, the affected skin needs to be surgically removed, along with a rim of normal skin surrounding the infected area. Even if the tests bring up no results, the patient should be monitored for the next few years to confirm that the cancer has not returned or spread.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancers. It is a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body, and typically develops on the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, or back. They are visible on the outer layer of skin in the form of a reddish patch, a shiny bump, open sore, pink growth, or a scar-like mark. A one-time treatment to surgically remove the infected area is all that is required.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma can be more aggressive than Basal Cell Carcinoma and is also more likely to grow deep below the skin and spread to other parts of the body. It may result from excessive exposure to the sun or to certain chemicals. This typically occurs if the cancer is larger or has been growing, untreated, for a long period of time. The treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma involves surgery to remove the cancer and close monitoring of the lymph glands in the area is required.

Actinic Keratosis or Solar Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis, or Solar Keratosis, is a pre-cancerous condition that has the potential for developing into Squamous Cell Carcinoma. It appears as rough red or brown, scaly patches on the skin. They are often more easily felt than seen. Like skin cancer, Actinic Keratosis is usually found on sun-exposed areas of the body, but it can also be found on other parts of the body as well.