SKIN CANCER CHECKS
& SKIN CONDITIONS

Smart Prevention and Skin Management for Healthy skin

BOOK ONLINE NOW
CALL NOW
GET DIRECTIONS
FOR EMERGENCIES - CALL 000

Skin Cancer Checks

Living in Queensland, we have one of the highest rates of skin cancers in the world, so regular skin cancer checks are vitally important! Early diagnosis of skin cancer can save your life.

In general, we recommend performing a self-skin check every 6 months, and visiting your doctor for a thorough examination every 2-3 years. This may vary depending on your skin type and lifestyle.

Fortunately, skin cancer checks are easily accessible and can help with the prevention and early detection of skin cancers. Our doctors are skilled in skin examination, taking biopsies and excision of skin lesions.

Book a skin examination appointment with Dr Joe Lee. Please arrive prepared with no makeup or nail polish.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be deadly if not caught early. Skin cancer checks are important because they can help catch melanoma in its early stages, when it is most likely to be successfully treated. 

To look out for melanoma, watch for changes in the size, shape, or colour of a mole, or for any new growths on the skin. If you have any concerns about a mole or growth, talk to your doctor. The treatment options for melanoma include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Staying Sun Smart!

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older.

The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight. For best protection, when the UV level is 3 or above (this can be checked on the Bureau of Meteorology website), we recommend a combination of sun protection measures:

  • Cover as much skin as possible with loose clothing
  • Apply broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen SPF30+ or more.
  • Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and every 2 hours afterwards
  • Protect your face, head, neck and ears with a broad brimmed hat
  • Use Australian standard sunglasses
  • Reduce time spent in direct sunlight, especially around midday

Skin Conditions

Skin disorders may be temporary or permanent and vary greatly in symptoms and severity. Some have environmental causes, while others may be genetic.

While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue, so it is always best to have it checked out by your doctor.

At Medsana Medical Clinic we can diagnose and create management plans for a range of skin conditions; including, but not limited to:

  • Eczema
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis
  • Dermatitis
  • Hives
  • Warts

Checking Your Skin: Tips & Tricks with Dr Joe Lee

Skin cancer prevention - woman applying sunscreen

"Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, accounting for just 1 percent of all cases, but it’s got the highest fatality rate. Once it’s spread to other parts of the body it has a 10 to 15 percent survival rate. However, the rate of survival increases the earlier you get diagnosed—if it’s caught before it reaches the lymph nodes, the survival rate is over 90 percent—so stay current on your check-ups."

American Cancer Society

Timely PCR Swab Service

Available between 8:30am – 9am

 

  1. Short Telephone Consult with the patient – bulk billed if Medicare eligible. Private fees with no Medicare rebates apply if the patient has not seen us in the last 12 months.
  2. The doctor will request a respiratory panel for viruses and bacteria (where clinically appropriate).  For example, Influenza, Covid, RSV, mycoplasma, pertussis and so forth.  Not all possible infections are on this panel.  The doctor may decline the request if it is not appropriate and direct the patient accordingly.
  3. Normal fees will apply if more than swabbing is requested.  Clinical examination and other requests requires a normal consultation at another time.
  4. Patient arrives at the car park next to Building 10 before 11am.  Or takes the pathology request to another 4Cyte collection centre.
  5. Patient calls reception to notify of their arrival so the 4Cyte Pathology Collector can gown up and go the patient’s car to swab the patient.
  6. PCR swab gets sent to 4Cyte.  The processing times varies according to workflows.
  7. 4Cyte will SMS the patient with the Covid results.  Positive PCR test results for other respiratory viruses or bacteria are not named.  A negative PCR result doesn’t mean the patient is infection free.  These swabs narrow down the possibilities and guide appropriate treatments.
  8. An appropriate appointment needs to be made for results in person, via video or via phone.  Normal fees applies for these consult.  Normal fees applies if the doctor calls the patient for further clinical advice and management.  
BOOK ONLINE NOW