Skin Cancer Check & Treatment Clinic in Adelaide
Skin cancer checks, diagnosis and treatment planning in Adelaide
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Australia, largely due to high levels of sun exposure over a lifetime. In Adelaide, where outdoor work, sport and lifestyle are part of everyday living, early skin cancer checks and prompt treatment planning are important for protecting your long term health.
Kensington Park Medical provides thorough skin cancer consultations, dermoscopy based skin checks, biopsy planning, minor skin procedures, skin cancer excision where appropriate, pathology coordination and referral to skin cancer specialists for higher risk or complex cases.
At a glance
- Assessment of moles, spots and sun damaged skin
- Dermoscopy for closer examination of suspicious lesions
- Biopsy and pathology coordination where needed
- Skin cancer treatment and excision planning
- Specialist referral for complex or higher risk cases
Book a check if you notice
- A new spot that looks different from others
- A mole changing in size, colour or shape
- A sore that does not heal
- A lesion that bleeds or crusts repeatedly
- A rough, scaly or tender patch
- A rapidly growing lump or mark
What we provide
- Full skin cancer consultation and risk assessment
- Dermoscopy enhanced skin checks
- Biopsy of suspicious lesions
- Minor skin cancer procedures when appropriate
- Pathology review and follow up
- Referral to specialist care when required
Treatment pathways
- Targeted monitoring for low risk lesions
- Cryotherapy for selected precancerous lesions
- Curettage and cautery in selected cases
- Skin cancer excision for suitable lesions
- Specialist referral for complex areas
- Ongoing prevention and recall planning
Skin cancer treatment begins with the right diagnosis
Skin cancer treatment is not just about removing a spot. It starts with understanding your individual risk, assessing the lesion carefully, confirming the diagnosis through pathology when needed and choosing a safe treatment pathway. A spot that looks simple may still need biopsy. A lesion that feels harmless may have important warning signs under dermoscopy.
Early assessment often means simpler treatment, smaller procedures and better cosmetic outcomes. It also reduces the chance of delaying care for a skin cancer that needs timely treatment. If you have noticed a changing mole, a sore that will not heal or a persistent scaly patch, a skin cancer check is a sensible next step.
Important: Many skin cancers are painless in the early stages. Do not wait for pain before booking a skin cancer doctor appointment.
Your skin cancer consultation pathway
Our clinic uses a structured general practice approach to skin cancer checks and treatment planning. The aim is to help you move from concern to clarity. Your doctor will assess your skin, identify lesions that need closer review and explain whether monitoring, biopsy, skin cancer excision or referral is the safest next step.
Understanding skin cancer in clear language
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, most commonly by ultraviolet radiation, and begin to grow in an abnormal way. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so early detection and appropriate skin cancer treatment are especially important.
The two main groups are non melanoma skin cancers and melanoma. Non melanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are common and often treatable, but they still require proper diagnosis and management. Melanoma is less common but can be more serious, especially if it is not detected early.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a pearly bump, pink patch, bleeding sore or non healing lesion. It often grows slowly, but it can damage surrounding tissue if left untreated.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a thickened, scaly, crusted or tender lesion. It is common on sun exposed skin and may require prompt treatment.
Melanoma
Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new spot. Changes in shape, colour, border or size should be checked early.
Skin changes that deserve a doctor’s opinion
Many patients come to our skin cancer clinic because a mole has changed, a scaly patch keeps returning or a sore has not healed. Others attend because a family member, hairdresser or partner noticed something on the back, scalp, shoulder or leg. If a spot looks unusual to you, it is worth checking.
Mole changes
- Asymmetry
- Irregular border
- Multiple colours
- Increasing size
- Evolving appearance
Surface changes
- Bleeding or crusting
- Recurring scab
- Persistent rough patch
- Shiny or pearly bump
- Non healing sore
Higher concern signs
- Rapid growth
- A spot unlike your other moles
- New dark lesion in adulthood
- Previous melanoma
- Strong family history
Who should consider regular skin cancer checks?
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but some people have a higher risk. Regular skin checks are especially worth discussing if you have fair skin, burn easily, have had many sunburns, work outdoors, play outdoor sport, have many moles, have a personal history of skin cancer or have a family history of melanoma.
Patients with immune suppression, previous organ transplant, significant sun damage or certain medication risks may need closer monitoring. Your doctor can recommend a review interval based on your personal risk rather than using the same schedule for everyone.
Risk factors include
- Fair skin, light eyes or light hair
- Frequent or blistering sunburns
- Outdoor work or outdoor sport
- Many moles or unusual moles
- Previous skin cancer
- Family history of melanoma
- Immune suppression
- Accumulated sun exposure with age
Dermoscopy helps assess
- Pigment patterns
- Blood vessel patterns
- Border structure
- Colour variation
- Features not easily seen by the naked eye
- Whether biopsy or excision may be needed
A proper skin cancer check is more than a quick look
Dermoscopy uses a handheld device to examine structures within the skin more closely. It helps your doctor assess suspicious moles and lesions with more detail than the naked eye alone. It does not replace pathology when a lesion is suspicious, but it can help guide safer decision making.
If a spot has concerning features, your doctor may recommend biopsy, skin cancer excision or specialist referral. If the lesion appears low risk, monitoring with clear review instructions may be appropriate. The key is that the plan should be explained clearly, so you understand what to do next.
What happens if we find a suspicious lesion?
If your doctor finds a suspicious spot, the next step may be a biopsy. A biopsy involves taking a small sample or removing the lesion so it can be examined by a pathologist. Pathology confirms whether the lesion is benign, precancerous or cancerous, and helps determine whether further treatment is needed.
The type of biopsy depends on the size, location and appearance of the lesion. Some spots can be sampled with a small punch biopsy. Others may require a shave biopsy or complete excision. Your doctor will explain why a particular approach is recommended, how the area is numbed, how the wound is managed and how results will be followed up.
Assess
The lesion is examined clinically and with dermoscopy where appropriate.
Sample
A biopsy or excision may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis.
Review
Your GP explains the pathology result and next treatment steps.
Skin cancer surgery for suitable lesions
Skin cancer excision is a common form of skin cancer surgery. It involves removing the skin cancer with an appropriate margin of surrounding skin. The tissue is sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the margins are clear.
At Kensington Park Medical, suitable lesions may be treated with minor procedures in clinic. Some skin cancers, larger lesions, difficult locations or complex cases may need referral to a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or specialist skin cancer service. The safest treatment depends on the diagnosis, size, depth, location, cosmetic considerations and your overall health.
Excision planning considers
- The type of skin cancer
- Lesion size and location
- Recommended surgical margins
- Cosmetic and functional outcome
- Bleeding risk and medications
- Wound care and follow up needs
Skin cancer treatment should be matched to the diagnosis
Skin cancer treatment is not the same for every patient. Some low risk lesions can be monitored. Some precancerous or superficial changes may be treated with cryotherapy or topical therapy. Some selected lesions may be treated with curettage and cautery. Many confirmed skin cancers require excision. Some cases require specialist referral for more advanced skin cancer therapy or surgery.
The safest approach is to match treatment to pathology, clinical appearance, location and risk. This is why a careful skin cancer check, proper documentation and pathology guided treatment are so important.
Monitoring
Some low concern lesions may be photographed or reviewed after a set interval if your doctor believes monitoring is safe.
Cryotherapy
Freezing treatment may be used for selected sun damage or precancerous lesions when clinically appropriate.
Curettage
Curettage and cautery may be suitable for selected lesions depending on diagnosis, location and clinical judgement.
Excision
Many confirmed skin cancers are treated by surgical removal with pathology assessment of the tissue.
Prevention habits
- Use broad spectrum sunscreen
- Wear a broad brim hat
- Use protective clothing
- Seek shade during high UV times
- Avoid deliberate tanning
- Check your skin regularly at home
- Book a doctor review for changes
Living well after a skin cancer check or treatment
Skin cancer management includes prevention strategies that fit into daily life. After a skin cancer check, biopsy or treatment, your doctor may recommend regular self checks, scheduled professional skin checks and practical sun protection steps.
Get to know what is normal for your skin. Check areas that are easy to miss, including the scalp, ears, back of the neck, back, backs of the legs, soles of the feet and between the toes. If a new or changing spot appears between appointments, book a review rather than waiting for your next routine check.
A skin cancer clinic approach within your local general practice
Many patients prefer to start with a GP skin cancer doctor because it allows skin checks, general health care, medication review, procedure planning and follow up to be managed in one familiar place. At Kensington Park Medical, we provide skin cancer assessment, practical treatment planning and coordinated referral when specialist care is needed.
Our goal is to support patients across Adelaide with clear advice, prompt investigation and coordinated care. You should leave your appointment understanding what has been found, what it may mean and what needs to happen next.
Thorough checks
We assess individual spots, full skin concerns and previous treatment areas where appropriate.
Clear decisions
We explain when a lesion can be monitored, treated, biopsied, excised or referred.
Ongoing care
We help with pathology follow up, wound care, recall planning and prevention advice.
Skin cancer check and treatment FAQs
What is a skin cancer check?
A skin cancer check is a medical examination of your skin to assess moles, spots, sun damage and lesions that may be suspicious for skin cancer. Your doctor may use dermoscopy and recommend monitoring, biopsy, treatment or referral depending on the findings.
When should I book a skin cancer assessment?
You should book if you notice a new spot, a changing mole, a lesion that bleeds, a sore that does not heal, a persistent scaly patch or a rapidly growing lump.
How often should I have a skin cancer check?
The right interval depends on your risk. Some patients need occasional checks, while higher risk patients may need regular reviews. Your doctor can recommend a schedule based on your history and skin type.
What is dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy uses a handheld device with light and magnification to examine skin structures more closely. It helps doctors assess suspicious lesions and decide whether monitoring, biopsy or excision is needed.
What happens if a suspicious spot is found?
Your doctor may recommend monitoring, biopsy, skin cancer excision or referral. If tissue is removed, it is usually sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis.
What is skin cancer excision?
Skin cancer excision is a procedure where a skin cancer is removed with an appropriate margin of surrounding skin. The tissue is sent to pathology to check the diagnosis and margins.
Can a GP perform skin cancer excision?
Some GPs perform skin cancer excision for suitable lesions. Complex cases, difficult locations or higher risk skin cancers may require referral to a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or specialist service.
What skin cancer treatment options are available?
Treatment may include monitoring, cryotherapy, topical therapy, curettage and cautery, excision or specialist referral. The right option depends on the diagnosis, location, size and risk level.
Is every suspicious mole melanoma?
No. Many changing or unusual moles are not melanoma, but they still need assessment. Melanoma can be serious, so suspicious lesions should be checked promptly.
What does basal cell carcinoma look like?
Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a pearly lump, pink patch, bleeding sore or non healing lesion. It usually grows slowly but can damage nearby tissue.
What does squamous cell carcinoma look like?
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a scaly, crusted, thickened or tender lesion, often on sun exposed skin such as the face, ears, scalp, hands and arms.
Does a skin biopsy hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort, but the procedure should not be sharply painful once the area is numb.
Can skin cancer treatment be done without surgery?
Some superficial or precancerous lesions may be treated without excision, but many confirmed skin cancers require surgical removal. Your doctor will explain the safest option for your diagnosis.
Will pathology be needed?
Pathology is often needed when a lesion is biopsied or removed. It confirms the diagnosis and helps determine whether further treatment is required.
What should I wear to a skin cancer check?
Wear clothing that is easy to remove if you are having a full body check. You can let your doctor know if you have comfort concerns or prefer a focused check.
Can skin cancer appear in areas not exposed to the sun?
Yes. Although sun exposed areas are common, skin cancer can occur in less exposed areas. This is why full skin checks can be useful.
Are skin cancer checks covered by Medicare?
Medicare rebates may apply to eligible consultations and procedures. Fees vary depending on the appointment type and any procedure required. Please check with reception when booking.
What happens after pathology results return?
Your doctor will explain whether the lesion was benign, precancerous or cancerous, whether margins are clear and whether further treatment or follow up is needed.
How can I reduce future skin cancer risk?
Use sun protection, avoid deliberate tanning, check your skin regularly and attend professional skin checks based on your risk profile.
How do I book skin cancer treatment in Adelaide?
You can contact Kensington Park Medical to book a skin cancer consultation. Let reception know whether you need a full skin check, mole check, biopsy discussion or treatment planning.
Book a skin cancer assessment in Adelaide
If you are concerned about a spot, mole or non healing lesion, early assessment is one of the most important steps you can take.
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