Frequently asked questions

COVID-19 clinics

Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms and help us identify as many cases in the community as quickly as possible. NSW Health is urging anyone feeling unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms to self-isolate from others and come forward for COVID-19 testing. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of taste or smell. Other reported symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite. You can visit one of the COVID-19 clinics



Key cancer screening programs

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



Cervical Cancer Screening

The Cervical Screening Test is a simple procedure. If you have ever had a Pap test, the way the procedure is done will feel the same. The five-yearly Cervical Screening Test replaced the two-yearly Pap test. If you’re aged 25 to 74 you should have your first Cervical Screening Test two years after your last Pap test. The Cervical Screening Test is more effective than the Pap test at preventing cervical cancers because it detects HPV. HPV is a common virus that can cause changes to cells in your cervix, which in rare cases can develop into cervical cancer. This test can be performed by your GP. Once you have had your first Cervical Screening Test, you will only need to have one every five years instead of every two, if your results are normal.



National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program currently invites men and women turning 50 to 74 to screen for bowel cancer, with the aim to increase this to include further age groups so that by 2020, all Australians who hold a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card (DVA) and are aged between 50 to 74 years will be invited to screen every two years.



Determine if any risk factor or warning signs of skin cancer

Risk factors - Personal and family history of skin cancer - Sun exposure - Immunosuppression Warning Signs - About 50 percent of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are pigmented (meaning brown in color) in darker-skinned patients. If you look at the typical photos of BCCs used in educational materials — most of which focus on fair skin — you’ll see a pink, pearly growth that may or may not be crusted. What you’ll almost never see is an image of a brown, slightly translucent lesion. Yet about half of BCCs in darker-skinned patients are brown, or pigmented, and thus easier to miss.



What does melanoma look like?

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.



Is skin cancer curable if caught early?

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.



What is a skin biopsy and excision?

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.



What do I expect after skin excison?

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.



When to call your doctor after skin lesion removal?

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.



How do I make an skin cancer check or excision appointment?

To make an appointment, please call the practice on (02) 98907887 between the hours of
8:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Friday, 8:00am -1:00 pm Saturday. Our Reception staff will assist with appointment availability and approximate fees.



How much does a skin cancer check cost?

All the skin cancer check and biopsy are bulk billing. Skin cancer surgery costs will depend on what services are being provided to you by the skin cancer doctor. An estimate of costs is provided by our staff when an appointment is booked.



What do I need to bring with me for my appointment or surgery?

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



How do I book for surgery?

Bookings for skin surgery may be done on the day of consultation where the doctor will request reception staff to book a surgical appointment. Sometimes patients will need to wait for biopsy results before being booked in, if this is the case, nurse will call you once you have had your results provided to you by our clinical team to book an appointment.