Expert Skin Cancer Services at Dunedin Skin and Surgical Clinic
Welcome to the Dunedin Skin and Surgery Clinic, where we specialise in expert skin cancer services. Skin cancers, including Actinic Keratosis (AK), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma, requires diligent attention and specialised treatment. Our clinic offers comprehensive skin checks, mole imaging and surgical procedures – ensuring early detection and effective treatment.
Overview
Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Most often, they develop on skin that has been exposed to the sun. But they can also occur on areas of the skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.
There are four major types of skin cancer:
- Actinic Keratosis (AK) – Pre-cancerous lesion
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC),
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and
- Melanoma.
Actinic Keratosis sometimes called solar keratosis or senile keratosis, is a pre-cancerous area of thick, scaly, or crusty skin. Given their pre-cancerous nature, if left untreated can have up to a 20% risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma, so treatment is recommended.
Basal Cell Carcinoma grows slowly and can damage the tissue around it but is unlikely to spread to distant areas or result in death. It often appears as a painless raised area of skin that may be shiny with small blood vessels running over it or may present as a raised area with an ulcer.
Squamous-cell skin cancer is more likely to spread. It usually presents as a hard lump with a scaly top but may also form an ulcer.
Melanomas are the most aggressive. Signs include a mole that has changed in size, shape, colour, has irregular edges, has more than one colour, is itchy or bleeds.
More than 90% of cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. This sun exposure increases the risk of all three main types of skin cancer.
You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.
At the Dunedin Skin and Surgery Clinic, we specialise in skin checks, mole imaging, surgical procedures, and treatments. We can help you with your treatment options, both surgical and non- surgical.
Early detection of skin cancer improves outcomes
At the Dunedin Skin and Surgery Clinic, we believe everyone should have access to high quality and affordable skin cancer screening and treatment. We offer a comprehensive range of services ranging from full skin checks to cosmetic mole removals. Let the Dunedin Skin and Surgery Clinic team help you protect your skin and if needed, identify melanoma and other non-melanoma skin cancers.
Services
Full Body Skin Check
When you visit Dunedin Skin and Surgery Clinic, our highly trained doctors and nurses will do a thorough “top to toe” assessment to check for any potentially concerning lesions.
Early detection of skin cancers enables us to diagnose and treat lesions within the early stages. This results in less invasive treatments and has a better health outcome for patients.
Spot Checks
If there is a mole you are concerned about, it is worth getting it checked out. Some moles remain the same throughout a person’s life, while others may even disappear over time. Moles can also change in appearance over time. They can grow in size, change colour, become raised from the skin or change shape. Moles can change over time and develop into melanoma, with a higher chance of this in those that have been on the skin since birth.
If you have any concerns about your moles or freckles or you would like a mole or skin tag removed for cosmetic reasons, our specialist skin doctors can help.
Total Body Photography
You will be assessed by Dr Niranjan Sharma who will take high resolution photos of each mole. Using this, we can easily pick up changes in shape or other abnormalities.
You will then be assessed by Dr Niranjan Sharma during your appointment.
Skin Cancer Surgery
Our doctors will discuss the outcome of your examination and give their recommendation on the best form of treatment for you.
We will discuss the proposed treatment option with you. This will include the type of procedure or treatment needed, the costs involved, expected outcomes and potential complications. After this discussion with you, we will come up with a plan that provides the best health outcomes for you.
Removal of moles for cosmetic reasons
Dunedin Skin and Surgery Clinic achieves good cosmetic results with benign skin lesions, skin tags, warts, moles and sun spots. These procedures are performed under local anaesthetic.
Acne assessment
Research shows that controlling acne can prevent future outbreaks and scarring. This can result in clearer skin and improved self-esteem and confidence. Successful treatment of acne requires an initial assessment, the correct skin care plan and appropriate topical or oral medication.
Light therapy
The Dunedin Skin and Surgery Clinic offer Blue and Red Light Therapies delivered by our LED light system. LED lights are the most effective way of delivering light therapy. LED light treatment is safe and causes no side effects.
