Name: Absolute Health and Skin
Address: Shop 4 404-414 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens, Queensland, 4701, AU
Telephone: (07) 4928 7008

Skin Cancer Medicine

Regular skin cancer checks are an important aspect of maintaining overall good health. Benefit from the latest diagnostic technology and skin treatments at Absolute Health and Skin in Norman Gardens. Our skin cancer specialists can closely monitor any areas of concern and suggest the most appropriate treatment option for your individual needs. To schedule an appointment for a skin consult, please call the clinic today.

Skin Checks

Skin Cancer Treatments

Photodynamic Therapy

Skin Cancer Treatments

Early detection and treatment of skin cancers will result in a cure in the majority of cases.

Your treatment options will depend on:

~ The type, depth, and size of the skin cancer

~ Where it is situated

~ Whether it has spread to other parts of the body

Our Skin Cancer Specialist will discuss the best options for treatment based on your requirements.

Topical Ointments
Cryotherapy

Surgery

What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

Photodynamic Therapy or PDT is the latest non-invasive technology being used by Doctors worldwide to treat precancerous lesions and sun-damaged skin.

At Absolute Health and Skin, we offer a couple of methods of PDT to suit the individual's sun damage and concerns.

Firstly, we prepare the skin by either using a dermal roller (skin needling) or a CO2 fractional laser, which both penetrate channels into the skin for faster absorption and also boosts the skin's natural healing process to promote more collagen and elastin production.

After we have prepared the skin, we apply a photosensitising agent which penetrates down through the channels in the skin and is absorbed by the abnormal cells. Once this has been done, the treated skin needs to be exposed to and activated by a light source. We use either UV (natural, filtered sunlight) or an LED device in the clinic.

This entire process causes a photochemical reaction that destroys metabolically active abnormal cells and leaves the normal cells relatively untouched.

What are the Advantages of PDT?

PDT has many benefits which help improve the overall health, look and feel of your skin.

It can assist in avoiding surgical procedures to remove skin cancers later down the track by removing the precancerous lesions now, and can also provide some amazing cosmetic results for sun-damaged and aged skin, acne, fine lines, and pigmentation. PDT is a great treatment option for patients who require a larger field area to be treated such as the face, scalp, decolletage, arms, and backs of hands. It is also an ideal solution for patients who have had bad reactions to other topical treatments, such as Efudix.

Post-treatment your skin needs to be looked after and protected from the harsh UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Your Doctor and laser skin therapist will give recommendations on how to improve and properly maintain your skin's overall health long-term.
Should I Have a PDT Treatment?

If you have had a lot of unprotected sun exposure from a young age or spent a lot of time in the sun with sports, hobbies, work, etc. then you will start to see sun damage appear on your skin as the years go by.

PDT provides an amazing cosmetic improvement of the skin and the treatment can be customised to your individual needs. It can be repeated if necessary and does not prevent you from undergoing any other cosmetic, medical, or surgical procedures in the future. PDT is a great preventative and maintenance treatment to lower your risk of developing skin cancer.

Patients must see a Doctor for a skin check before considering a PDT treatment. Treatment can be performed after clearance from a Doctor and is suitable for most people. If PDT is recommended to you, you will need to book in for a complimentary consultation with our PDT & Laser Skin Therapist who will discuss the treatment in detail and provide you with all the necessary treatment information.
What Should I Expect Post-Treatment?

Photosensitivity
After treatment, you will be sensitive to light for 24 - 48 hours. It is important during this time that your exposure to the sun is minimal and it is best to stay indoors.

Skin Response
Skin response will vary with treatment parameters and each individual's skin condition and skin type. This visible healing process usually finishes between 7 to 14 days post-treatment. Cell regeneration and turnover will take up to 3 months post-treatment.

Days 1 - 3
Redness and swelling are to be expected, like a bad sunburn. Extreme sensitivity to light, so keep indoors and out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

Days 3 - 7
Swelling will subside. The treated area will be red, tender, and sometimes itchy. Your skin will peel, scab, or flake off.

Days 7 - 14
Peeling will be finished. Redness will diminish. The skin may still feel itchy, tight, and uncomfortable which is a normal part of the healing process. Depending on the treatment area and if the patient is using correct sun protection, the skin will be back to its normal skin tone within 2-3 weeks.

Skin Cancer Consultation

When you arrive at the clinic you will be asked to complete a new patient form and a consent form. Please bring your Medicare and Health Care cards, a list of your current medications as well as your local GP details to help complete your forms. The Skin Cancer Specialist begins his examination with an assessment of your risk profile and your medical history.

You will be asked about:

Any lesion concerning you
Your personal and family history of Skin Cancer
Current medications
Underlying medical conditions

Prior surgery
Allergies
Occupation
Your past and current sun exposure
Any other factors that may be relevant

Examination

Generally, patients are asked to remove their clothing down to their underwear so that the entire skin may be easily examined. There is usually no need for our Skin Cancer Specialists to inspect the genital areas or breasts. However, if you do have a spot in these areas that you are concerned about, you should mention that to our Skin Cancer Specialist so that the spot can be checked.

Our Skin Cancer Specialist will examine your skin from head to toe using a specialised skin magnification device, called a dermatoscope. This will assist in making a diagnosis. If your consent is received, photographs will be taken of any noteworthy lesion/s and will be kept on your file as a reference for future visits.

Treatment

Continuing Care

During your initial consultation, our Skin Cancer Specialist will advise you when a review is necessary to ensure your skin is continuously monitored. In most cases, it is recommended to have your skin checked annually. For those patients that require more regular monitoring due to a history of melanoma or other skin cancer concern, we will send out a reminder message at intervals decided upon by our Skin Cancer Specialist.

Fee Structure

Skin Cancer Consultations are charged out as follows:

Consultation Type Cost Medicare Rebate Out-Of-Pocket

Full Skin Check $150.00 $75.75 $74.25

Please Note: Regardless of whether regular screening is being performed or not, if you detect a changing or newly developing skin lesion or if you become concerned about any particular skin lesion, ensure that you have it checked by your doctor ASAP.

When it comes to your health, don't take any chances. Call Absolute Health and Skin on (07) 4928 7008 to set up a skin cancer consultation.

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