Early detection of skin cancers is crucial.

We will do a thorough 'top to toe' assessment to check for any potentially concerning lesions.  We will take high resolution photos of each mole.  Using this, we can easily pick up changes in shape or other abnormalities.

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.

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.

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, we can help.

Other skin lesions can be a sign of various skin conditions or even systemic diseases.  It is essential to monitor any changes in your skin and consult a professional if you notice new or concerning lesions, as early detection and treatment can be crucial in managing skin conditions or identifying underlying health issues.  Our clinic offers specialised skin lesion removal surgery for those seeking expert care for skin lesions.  Focusing on precise diagnosis and tailored treatment, our dermatologic surgeons provide comprehensive care for various skin lesions.

Skin lesions are changes in your skin that has an abnormal appearance or growth compared to the skin around it. 

Primary skin lesions are abnormal skin conditions that are present at birth or acquired over a person’s lifetime.  Secondary skin lesions are the result of irritation or manipulation of the skin.

In addition to medical treatment for common skin lesions, we treat selected skin lesion with visible light therapy.