Skin Cancer Clinic Gold Coast | Skin Clinic Robina

At our Skin Cancer Clinic Robina on the Gold Coast, we strive to provide the most appropriate and evidenced-based treatments for your skin issues: all doctors are independent Practitioners, accredited or currently pursuing accreditation with the skin cancer college of Australasia.

Skin Cancer Specialists Gold Coast

Dr. Venu Kondamudi is a medical educator for Diploma of skin cancer Medicine and Surgery, who supervises and performs the advanced, complex and cosmetically sensitive skin cancer surgery himself, while also referring other procedures to his plastic surgical colleagues, when the patient prefers to have it done under anaesthesia. Our three procedure rooms are purpose-built for skin surgery and cosmetic treatments. As accredited skin cancer doctors, we support and receive referrals from 30 GP’s from the Gold Coast and Hinterland regions.

Common types of skin cancers we deal with on a regular basis are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC) and Melanoma.

All of our skin checks are done to a stringent standard set by Dr.Kondamudi, to minimise the risk of missing very early stage melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancers, as early diagnosis leads to complete cure of cancer, saving lives and reducing morbidity to patients.

SKIN CANCER TREATMENTS

Mole Mapping – we offer state-of-the-art mole mapping services for the purposes of early skin cancer detection. Mole mapping is an advanced skin cancer screening process that utilises the latest in computer technology to provide a comprehensive scan of your skin and is particularly essential for those who have a family history of skin cancer or those who possess a large number of moles. Learn more about our mole mapping services.
Cream treatments – a non-surgical treatment method that can be used to treat basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Although sometimes described as a form of surgery, as the application of the ointment causes the targeted skin tissue to be eliminated, this method does not involve the use of surgical equipment.
Photodynamic therapy – another method of non-surgical skin cancer treatment, Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of a photosensitising agent and a special wavelength light that destroys cancer cells. Learn more about our photodynamic therapy services.
Curettage and cautery – often an effective treatment method for small basal and squamous cell skin cancers, curettage is the process of shaving the affected region with an instrument known as a curette. Once the skin cells have been shaved off, the resulting wound is cauterised to minimise bleeding and infection.
Cryotherapy – this treatment procedure involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and eliminate abnormal skin cells. Liquid nitrogen will typically cause a stinging sensation upon application to the skin, after which it will then blister and fall off.
Simple Excisions – this surgical treatment method involves the application of a local anaesthetic to numb the targeted area, after which the skin cancer is removed using a scalpel. The subsequent wound created by the excision is then meticulously stitched together.
Flap surgery – this treatment process concerns the careful manoeuvring of skin tissue surrounding the wound created by skin cancer removal and is typically used when;
- The wound created by the skin cancer removal is too substantial to be stitched together using the surrounding skin
- Sealing the wound using a traditional elliptical seal would potentially affect surrounding areas, particularly on the face such as the eyes and nose
Graft surgery – similar to flap surgery, graft surgery is used when the wound created by the removal of the skin cancer is too large to seal by simply stitching together the surrounding tissue. With graft surgery, a thin layer of skin (a graft) is collected from another part of the body (often the upper arm or thigh) and then placed on top of the wound.
Margin control surgery – Margin control refers to microscopically controlled surgery and involves the careful examination of all removed skin tissue for cancerous cells, prior to closing the defect/surgical wound from a cosmetically sensitive area. This method of treatment allows for the precise removal of all forms of skin cancer.

We take the opportunity during skin cancer checks, to educate our patients on the necessity of regularly self examining themselves. A 20 minute skin check, once every 365 days is simply not sufficient, given Australia’s harsh and sunny weather climate.

HOW TO DO A SKIN CHECK?

You, your partner and your family will know better than anyone else if something on your skin is new or changing – these are two important early warning signs. Become familiar with your spots and moles, and check your skin regularly. The Skin Cancer College Australasia promotes a simple, but very effective mantra:

SCAN YOUR SKIN. SCAN MEANS LOOK FOR A SPOT OR MOLE THAT IS…

S – Sore, scaly, itchy, bleeding, tender and doesn’t heal within six weeks.
C – Changing in appearance, size, shape or colour.
A – Abnormal: Looks different, feels different, or stands out when compared to others.
N – New: Has appeared on your skin recently. Any new moles or spots should be checked, especially if you are over 40.

For more information go to: www.scanyourskin.org

The more SCAN features a spot or mole exhibits, the more concerning it may be. If this sounds like you, see your GP or a doctor with advanced qualifications in skin cancer medicine, and ask for a spot check, or better still – a full skin check.

HELP DETERMINE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING SKIN CANCER

Use this online risk prediction tool to help identify your risk of developing skin cancer.

www.scanyourskin.org/risk-prediction-tool/

BEATING THE SKIN CANCER EPIDEMIC

The risk of cancer increases with age, and the number of adults seeking treatment is increasing dramatically, in line with our ageing population. Of all cancers, skin cancer is by far the most common in Australians. The total number of new skin cancers diagnosed – both melanoma and non-melanoma (BCC and SCC) – amounts to about 80 per cent of all new cancers diagnosed each year overall*.

Australia has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70*. Around 434,000 Australians are treated for non-melanoma skin cancer annually* – which is more than 1,000 people every day.

In times past, we were not as aware of the dangers of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light – both natural and artificial – as we are today. Now we know there is no such thing as a ‘healthy tan’ and more than 95 per cent of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun*.

Not surprisingly, outdoor workers such as farmers, forestry workers and builders, who have spent their working life in the sun, often without adequate protection, are well represented among those needing treatment.

HOW LONG DOES A SKIN CHECK TAKE?

A thorough skin check can take from 20 mins up to 30 minutes (depending on the number of moles/ Lesions). This includes some time for the doctor to discuss your medical history – which can have an impact on your risk of developing skin cancer.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES THE DOCTOR USE?

At Skin Cancer Clinic Gold Coast, our accredited skin cancer doctors have been trained to use a dermatoscope and will take a close up look at any spots of concern to assist in a diagnosis. A dermatoscope is a bit like a torch with a magnifying glass attached to the end. Using a dermatoscope is painless, and greatly assists the doctor in deciding if a spot or mole is, or is not of concern. If uncertain, the doctor may take a dermoscopic photograph of a spot or mole, so it can be monitored over time for any changes.

IMPORTANT UPDATE – we now provide state-of-the-art mole mapping services for the purpose of early skin cancer detection, using the FotoFinder® bodystudio ATBM system and the FotoFinder® Dermoscope. To find out more, please visit our mole mapping services page.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DOCTOR FINDS ANYTHING WHICH COULD BE SKIN CANCER?

Your doctor will tell you straight away if you have any moles or spots which require testing. To test the mole or spot the doctor will either take a small biopsy (sample) of it, or completely excise (cut out) the spot of concern – under local anaesthetic of course. In most cases another appointment will be made to remove the abnormal mole or spot. This type of minor surgery can be carried out at your doctor’s surgery or office. There is usually no need for this to be done in a hospital.

After it is removed, the mole or spot is sent to a pathology laboratory for testing. Receiving the test results can take from one to several days, depending on the pathology provider.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SKIN CANCER IS FOUND?

In most cases, when found early, skin cancer can be easily and successfully treated with surgery. Most skin cancers are cured once they are removed. Other non-surgical treatments such as creams, radiotherapy, or light therapy may be used but this will depend on the type of skin cancer found.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SKIN CHECK?

Depending on your level of risk for developing skin cancer, your doctor may recommend regular follow-up skin checks. The frequency for follow-up skin checks can vary from every few months, to once every year or two. Most doctors will have a system in place to send you a skin check reminder, but it is also a good idea to keep your own record of when a follow-up skin check is due.

The accredited skin cancer doctors at our Skin Cancer Clinic Gold Coast, are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all skin cancers. We offer local, cost-effective access to advanced knowledge, diagnostic techniques, and treatment. You, however, are the person most familiar with your skin, so SCAN thoroughly and repeat often. It’s a simple habit to get into, and one that might save your life.