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.
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
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?
What Should I Expect Post-Treatment?
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
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.