At Nitai Medical & Cosmetic Centre, our doctor has completed advanced training in the area of Skin Cancer detection and treatment. For all patients presenting for skin cancer checks, our doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination using her advanced training as well the Molemax HD system to analyse the suspicious mole(s). Dermoscopy images are taken using the MoleMax HD system where required.
Biopsies of all moles that are of concern are taken also for further pathology testing. Patients are recalled if the pathology results are returned positive. At this point our doctor removes all moles that return a positive result using an excision procedure.
We also offer a Full Body Mapping of all moles using the latest MoleMax HD System. Full Body Mapping is important for detection of new moles through future checks. New moles present a very high risk of developing into skin cancer if not treated early. We do recommend regular full body mapping checks to be conducted -our doctor will discuss this with you during the consultation.
At Nitai Medical & Cosmetic centre, A full Body Mapping is only available in conjunction with a full body check by our doctor. To maintain the highest Quality standards and achieve the most optimum result for our patients, that is, achieve lowest possible melanoma detection error, we believe that the both tests should be conducted particularly for medium/high risk patients. Not all patients may require a full body mapping procedure – your examining doctor will confirm whether you should have one or not.
In Australia, most people will develop various skin lesions. ‘A Skin Lesion’ is a general medical term for any disturbance or injury to one’s healthy skin appearance.
Skin lesions include all lumps and bumps that grow on our skin, such as moles and sunspots. Whilst most skin lesions are harmless and sometimes unslightly, skin cancer may develop and not always in sunexposed areas.
Let’s look at most common lumps and bumps and ways to remove them.
Keratoses
Also called age spots or sun spots, Keratoses is very common in Australians of Anglo-Celtic background from about age 30 and widely seen from age 50.
Solar Keratosis is the most common form found in sun-exposed areas such as forearms, scalp (especially if bald), legs and shoulders.
If untreated early, solar keratosis can develop into Squamous Cell Carcinoma with a risk in some people being 10%-15%.
What are solar keratosis?
Solar Keratoses are seen commonly as scaly lesions, more commonly in sun-exposed areas. These can be a pre-cursor to skin cancer. If treated early, skin cancer development can be prevented.
Who gets solar keratosis?
Individuals with fair skin and blonde & red hair are at most risk.
What causes solar keratosis?
Chronic sun exposure is the most common cause. Artificial UV light such as solariums can also cause solar keratosis.
How is it treated?
1. Cryotherapy
2. Curettage & Cautery
3. Topical therapy
4. Photodynamic therapy
How to prevent solar keratosis?
1. Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun
2. Wear correct clothing
3. Use of sunscreen
4. Avoid solariums
5. Examine your skin regularly
6. Have a skin check with your doctor annually.
Common Moles
Moles are more or less uniform in colour , appearing around age of four. These are acquired genetically although sun exposure can have adverse effects.
One can develop Dysplastic moles, with variable pigment and ragged edges. Dysplastic moles can develop into melanoma.
Anyone with a family history of skin cancer or with unusual skin growths should get a complete skin check at least twice a year. If detected early, moles can be surgically removed.
Freckles
These are flat, evenly brown spots appearing across one’s face, upper body, arms or thighs, generally in clusters. People with many freckles and fair or red hair and blue or green eyes, have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Our GP will check to make sure freckles are not cancerous. At Nitai Medical & Cosmetic Centre, we can treat freckles with medical grade lasers.
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer in Australia is caused primarily due to long exposure to sunlight (although smoking, linked to many types of cancer, also causes or worsens skin cancers). Skin cancer arises in normal skin or in benign sun-related lesions, moles, scars or chronically irritated areas.
Skin Cancers generally grow fast and look unusual but some cancers grow quite slowly for a long time before growing more rapidly.
Cancers do not go away , unlike sores or ulcers. They may appear to heal, only to reappear and break down again later.
Skin cancers do not usually look like other spots on our body – they are often disorganised and ragged in appearance. An ulcer sometimes forms in the middle. They are fragile and likely to bleed easily.
There are 3 types of Skin Cancers:
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinomas are the found generally on the face and upper body – around the eyes, ears chin, nose, neck, collarbone, and cheeks. They are most common skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas are generally raised, pearl-like in appearance with tiny blood vessels crossing its surface.
If detected very early, Basal cell carcinomas can be treated with a cream. Most , however, require removal surgically. Significant disfigurement can result if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
These are raised, flaky red nodules that often bleed and appear to heal again. Appearing mainly on one’s hands and forearms, face and other sun-exposed areas, Squamous cell Carcinomas spread quite fast, spreading to the lungs, brain and other parts of the body. Smoking can cause Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Needless to say, all forms of Squamous Cell Carcinomas should be removed as soon as possible.
Melanoma
Rarer but more dangerous form of skin cancer, the risk of Melanoma in Australia is 5% (higher in males). Melanomas can be genetically acquired. They can appear as moles anywhere on the body and spread quire rapidly. Melanomas are generally dark pigment, sometimes with areas of brown, black, pink and even blue. A rapidly growing mole darker than and/or unlike others can be a sign of early melanoma.
All forms of Melanoma should be removed early through surgical means.
Our Doctor has received advanced training in detection and removal of skin cancers. Typically, she will remove the suspected area of skin along with a good margin of normal skin. The specimen will be sent away for pathology laboratory assessment.
How can I conduct my own self-examination?
Our skin changes constantly but moles generally do not change over a short period.
The key things to look for when you or your partner is examining your skin.
Change in size, shape, colour or pattern, Bleeding or itching.
Melanomas grow down through the skin as well as expanding in the surface area.
Aggressive Melanomas can spread rapidly through the body, they can become lighter or darker, change colour, grow or shrink.
If you notice any of the above changes consult your doctor immediately
If you require assistance with your skin condition, we can help.
Every patient presenting with a skin condition is reviewed by a doctor and an appropriate treatment and ongoing skin care plan is developed to suit your specific case.
To contact us please complete call (03) 9300 1244 or send us an email via our contact form on this page above. Your email will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member to respond.
