Skin Cancer Clinic
Skin cancer Doctors at Worongary Medical Centre have extensive and advanced training in Dermoscopy and early detection and management of Skin Cancers.
Doctors are trained and certified by various prominent Skin Cancer training organisations like Australasian College of Dermatology(ACD) and Australian College of Cutaneous Oncology (ACCO)-leaders in research and training of Skin Cancer management.
Worongary Medical Centre provides the following Skin Cancer Clinic services to our local community.
High Risk Groups
People at an increased and high risk for skin cancer include those with:
Fair skin, a tendency to burn rather than tan
Freckles, light eye colour, light or red hair colour
Increased numbers of unusual moles (dysplastic naevi)
Depressed immune systems (risk factor for SCC)
A family history of melanoma in a first degree relative
Previous melanoma or KC
Skin Checks
Skin Cancer Management
Field Therapy
Flap & Graft Surgery
Melanoma Management
Surgical Treatment
Head & Neck Surgery
Curettage & Electrodesiccation
Cancer Council Australia recommends individuals at high risk of melanoma and their partners should be educated to recognise and document lesions suspicious of melanoma. These individuals should see their doctor for 6-monthly full skin examination supported by total body photography and dermoscopy.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommends that those at increased risk of skin cancer should be offered opportunistic clinical skin examinations. Individuals at a higher risk of skin cancer should undergo clinical skin examinations every 6-12 months, with or without photography, and be encouraged to conduct regular skin self-examinations.
Australia reports the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia each year. Approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Skin cancer is primarily a preventable cancer.
Cancer Council Australia recommends people see their doctor if they notice a new spot or changes in size, shape or colour of an existing spot, for clinical skin examinations for the early detection of melanoma. Australian studies have shown an association between clinical skin examinations by a doctor and a lower risk of being diagnosed with a thicker melanoma. Thinner lesions are associated with decreased risk of death and better prognosis.
The use of dermoscopy by experienced clinicians has been found to increase diagnostic accuracy. Dermoscopy (surface microscopy, dermatoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy) uses a hand-held magnifying device to improve visualisation of diagnostic features of pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Studies in the dermatologist setting have shown a reduction in rates of excisions of benign lesions associated with use of dermoscopy. In the general practice setting, studies have shown improvements in sensitivity for melanoma diagnosis for clinicians who have experience in the use of dermoscopy. It is recommended that clinicians who examine pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions for the purpose of detecting skin cancer be trained in and use dermoscopy.