Skin Cancer Clinic (Rapid Access)

Our Skin Cancer Clinic is a dedicated service for the timely detection, diagnosis, and treatment of skin malignancies. In a country with the highest skin cancer rates in the world, waiting months for a specialist appointment is not an option. We offer expedited "Rapid Access" appointments for suspicious lesions. Unlike basic "mole mapping" clinics, we are a medical-grade facility led by doctors with advanced training in dermoscopy and skin surgery. We prioritize early detection, accurate pathology, and ensuring the "cure" is achieved with the best possible cosmetic outcome.

If you're unsure after reading this, feel free to submit an enquiry via our contact form or call us at (03) 9021 8833. We'll guide you to the most appropriate care. (No Referral Required)

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Why Smooth Skin Dermatology?

 

 

Dermatologist-Led Checks

Every inch of your skin is examined by a qualified medical doctor, not just an automated machine.

Rapid Access

Priority appointments are reserved for urgent or changing spots.

One-Stop Service

We can often biopsy or treat suspicious spots on the same day as your check.

Surgical Excellence

Our doctors are trained in plastic surgery techniques (flaps and grafts) to minimize scarring.

High-Tech

We use digital dermoscopy to store images of your moles and track microscopic changes over time.

Rare Malignancies

While Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma account for the vast majority of skin diagnoses, our doctors remain vigilant for rare, complex malignancies that require specialized management. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a particularly aggressive neuroendocrine tumour that grows rapidly and often necessitates a multimodal treatment approach, combining wide surgical excision with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Similarly, Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that begins as a firm lump; due to its distinct tendency to send microscopic “roots” far beyond the visible tumour, it frequently requires Mohs Micrographic Surgery or extensive wide local excision to prevent it from recurring.

Why Early Detection Matters

Finding skin cancer early is the single most important factor in achieving a cure. When caught in the initial stages, even dangerous cancers like melanoma are highly treatable, often requiring only minor local surgery. However, if left unnoticed, they can spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and internal organs, complicating treatment significantly. In Australia, where we have the highest rates of skin cancer globally, vigilance is not just recommended—it is a necessity. A regular 30-minute check can literally save your life, turning a potentially life-threatening diagnosis into a manageable outpatient procedure.

The Evidence: Why We Screen

Living in our harsh, high-UV climate means our skin is constantly under attack. The clinical evidence is clear: patients who undergo routine, doctor-led skin screenings are significantly more likely to have their cancers detected at a thinner, earlier, and more curable stage [1]. According to the Cancer Council, regular monitoring leads to simpler surgeries, less scarring, and drastically reduced mortality rates [2]. We don’t just screen to find problems; we screen to catch them when they are small, solvable, and before they impact your long-term health.

Types of Biopsies That May Be Required

Shave Biopsy

A shave biopsy involves using a small blade to remove the top layers of skin. This method is typically used for lesions that are suspected to be shallow.

Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy uses a circular tool to remove a small core of skin, including deeper layers. This method is ideal for examining deeper skin lesions.

Excisional Biopsy

An excisional biopsy involves removing the entire lesion along with a narrow margin of healthy skin. This method is often used for larger or deeper lesions and provides a more comprehensive sample for diagnosis.

Non-Surgical Management

Not every skin cancer requires a scalpel. For superficial, early-stage malignancies and pre-cancerous sun damage, we can often employ “medical” treatments that clear the lesion without the need for invasive surgery.

1. Cryotherapy (Freezing) We use liquid nitrogen (-196°C) to deliver a thermal shock to the skin. This rapid freezing destroys the abnormal cells in superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs) and sun spots (Actinic Keratosis), causing them to scab and peel off over 10-14 days.

2. Topical Immunotherapy (Prescription Creams) For widespread sun damage or superficial cancers, we may prescribe “field treatment” creams (such as Imiquimod or Fluorouracil). You apply these at home over several weeks. They work by either stimulating your local immune system to attack the cancer cells or by interfering with the cancer’s ability to divide.

3. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) This is a targeted “light activation” treatment. A special photosensitive cream is applied to the lesion, which is selectively absorbed by the cancer cells. After an incubation period, we expose the area to a high-intensity red light. This light activates the cream, destroying the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

4. Radiation Therapy For skin cancers in difficult areas (like the eyelid or lip) or for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery, we can refer you to a Radiation Oncologist. This uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells over several sessions.

5. Systemic Oncology For advanced cases where cancer has spread (metastasized) beyond the skin, we partner with Medical Oncologists. Modern treatment may involve Immunotherapy (helping your body fight the cancer) or Targeted Therapy (drugs that block specific genetic mutations in the cancer), often replacing traditional chemotherapy.