Frequently asked questions

Recognition of changes in the skin is the best way to detect early melanoma. Use the ABCDEs of melanoma detection and if you have a changing mole, a new mole, or a mole that is different, make an appointment to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.ABCDE of melanoma. A stands for ASYMMETRY – One half is unlike the other half. B stands for BORDER – An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border. C stands for COLOR – Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue. D stands for DIAMETER – While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm, the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, they can be smaller. E stands for EVOLVING – A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color. is what the ABCDEs stand for: Skin Cancer College urges everyone to examine their skin regularly. This means looking over your entire body including your back, your scalp, the soles of your feet, between your toes and the palms of your hands. If you notice a mole that is different from others, or that changes, itches or bleeds, even if it is small, you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Cancer screening programs for us include: -Bowel Cancer Screening -Breast Cancer Screening -Cervical Cancer Screening -Skin Cancer Cancer Check up

Found early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Often a skin cancer can treat an early skin cancer by removing the cancer and a bit of normal-looking skin. Given time to grow, treatment for skin cancer becomes more difficult.

A skin biopsy is when a doctor removes only a small part of a skin lesion for testing. A lesion is an area of damaged skin, like a mole, freckle, or spot. Excision is when the whole lesion is removed. In both cases, the skin is sent to the laboratory, where a specialist examines it under a microscope to find out if it is cancerous or not. Dr Matthew Cai is specially trained to remove skin lesions. The cost of biopsy and excision varies between doctors, and the type and size of the lesion. You may be eligible for a subsidy to reduce the cost of the procedure. Talk to our doctor about this.If your doctor is not trained in removing skin lesions, or thinks your lesion is more complicated, they can refer you to another doctor who specialises in this procedure.

You’ll likely be instructed to avoid strenuous work or exercise for at least 24 to 48 hours, and told the possible warning signs of wound infection. “ We usually tell patients to expect a little discomfort — maybe including some bruising and swelling — but these symptoms usually resolve fairly quickly,” Our skin cancer doctor says. If you’re dealing with pain after the procedure, he suggests trying a cold compress, over-the-counter pain medication and lots of rest. Before you leave your doctor’s office, be sure to know whom to call if you have any concerns outside of office hours. It’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care, scar care and follow-up to achieve the best possible outcome.

Call your provider right away if: - There is any redness, pain, or yellow pus around the injury. This could mean there is an infection. - There is bleeding at the injury site that will not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure. - You have a fever greater than 37.8°C. - There is pain at the site that will not go away, even after taking pain medicine. - The wound has split open. - Your stitches or staples have come out too soon. - After full healing has taken place, call your provider if the skin lesion does not appear to be gone.

You will need to ensure that you have your Medicare card and any private health Insurance details when attending an appointment.