Skin Cancer Clinic
Services Offered
The Lindisfarne Clinic perform comprehensive full body skin cancer checks using a high definition MoleMax digital dermoscopy system. In conjunction with photographic imaging to monitor concerning moles and lesions. The MoleMax system is the most sophisticated digital dermoscopy system available assisting in the early detection of malignant skin lesions.
Skin Cancer
Australia has one of the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, mainly due to the high Ultra- violet radiation from sunlight. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt, resulting in damage without us realising it.
Contrary to the popular belief that UV levels in Tasmania are low due to the comparatively cooler climate, UV levels in Tasmania is usually in the high to extremely high range throughout the year, even on cloudy days, resulting in higher rates of skin cancer.
Your initial skin check involves detailed examination of all the existing skin spots/ moles and photographing of any suspicious skin lesions using the Molemax HD camera, which is then stored into our system and can be compared for any subtle changes down the track, reducing rate of unnecessary excisions.
Once cancers are identified, we can treat most lesions within the practice. The treatment is variable from being non-surgical or surgery depending on the type of skin cancer. Any surgical procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, ranging from a simple excisions to flaps and skin grafting. Our doctors will advise you about the best possible way to treat your skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer
1. Basal Cell Cancer (BCC) – Most common skin cancer. Can grow in size as well as invade and destroy local tissues. However, does not spread to other parts of the body. Favourable treatment options are available if identified at an early stage.
2. Squamaous Cell Cancer (SCC) – 2nd most common skin cancer. Usually more aggressive than BCCs, and has the potential to metastasize to other parts of the body and become fatal.
3. Melanoma – Highest mortality rate of skin cancer
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
- Any change in an existing skin spot (this could be a change in size, shape or colour)
- Non – healing sores/ulcers
- Skin lesion which is painful, bleeds, or itches
- Skin lesion which is different from other spots on your skin
- New skin lesion after 40 years of age.
Higher risk of skin Cancer
- Family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma
- Spends significant time outdoors
- Someone having multiple moles
- Skin burns rather than tans with sun exposure.
Our team focusses on delivering safe and high quality service in regards to prevention, early detection and management of skin cancers with the most effective management of skin cancer being early detection and treatment.
Our state of the art procedure room operates in close proximity to our purpose designed consulting room providing patients with access to surgical options outside of a hospital setting if required. This reduces the need for referring to specialists for complex procedures. An array of nonsurgical options for precancerous and cancerous skin lesions are also available. These include cryotherapy (freezing) as well as the use of various creams and gels available.
Dr Ayush Srivastava
Dr Ayush Srivastava is a friendly and compassionate GP, specialising in the areas of skin cancer and vasectomy. He has been practising as a doctor in Australia for over 10 years and has worked in different surgical specialities in Tasmania, mastering useful surgical skills before moving into general practice, and completing his GP training with James Cook University, Queensland.
He has developed a special interest in skin cancer and has done extensive skin cancer courses in Australia. He is passionate about early skin cancer detection and treatment and has a comprehensive approach for getting the best outcome for his patients. He is experienced and skilled in doing complex skin excisions and procedures, and has been offering skin cancer treatment in the Greater Hobart region for over 5 years.
Qualifications:
- FRACGP
- Professional Certificate in Skin Cancer Medicine
- Professional Certificate in Skin Cancer Surgery
- Advanced Certificate in Skin Cancer Surgery
Dr Latika Verma
Dr Latika Verma is a passionate and experienced General Practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer. She completed her FRACGP in 2017 from James Cook University, upon which she relocated from Queensland to Hobart. She developed an interest in skin cancer medicine while undertaking her GP training in Queensland and has passionately followed her interest in the field of skin cancer medicine.
Over the past years, she has completed various courses aiming to gain expertise in Skin Cancer Medicine and is dedicated towards the early detection, management and prevention of skin cancers. She has practiced in skin cancer medicine for a number of years developing experience in this field and treats her patients with utmost care and compassion.
Qualifications:
- FRACGP
- Professional Certificate in Skin Cancer Medicine
- Advanced Certificate of Dermoscopy
- Professional Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine
| Consultations | Practice Fee | Rebate | Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Spot Check – up to 4 spots | $105 | $42.85 | $62.15 |
| Full Skin Check – Molemax digital system | $215 | $82.90 | $132.10 |
1. How do you check your skin for skin cancer?
The best way to get checked for skin cancer is by digital dermoscopy and mapping, like the Molemax system, where your skin spots can be checked with up to 30 times magnification, and it can also record and store pictures of your skin moles so that they can be compared for any subtle changes over time.
2. When should I get checked for skin cancer?
There is never a bad time to get checked for skin cancer. Given the high Ultraviolet exposure in Tasmania, most adults should at least get an initial skin check for skin cancer. How frequently you will need your skin checked is variable for different individuals.
3. What does skin cancer check involve?
Skin cancer check involves looking at your entire skin under magnification, and to take pictures of any suspicious skin spots either to treat them or to see any changes in them over time. You would be asked to be in your undergarments during the skin check. It usually takes 30 minutes for a full skin check.
4. How often should I get a skin cancer check/screening?
Depending on your skin type, the time you spend outdoors, the number of moles you have got, and your family history of skin cancer – your skin cancer specialist will suggest the best interval suited for you to get your skin checked.
5. Does medicare cover skin checks?
Yes, Medicare does cover a portion of the skin check.
For a full skin check, the fee is $210, and
For a spot skin check, the fee is $105, with a Medicare rebate of $82.90 and 42.85 respectively.
6. How do you know if a skin spot is cancerous?
Early signs and symptoms of skin cancer are any changing skin spots, any spot which is tender, itchy, sore or bleeding. The best way to confirm if a skin spot is cancerous is to get it checked by a skin cancer specialist. We have appointments available for a comprehensive full skin check, or shorter appointments where we can check up to 3-4 skin spots for you.
7. What does early skin cancer look like?
The appearance of early skin cancer is variable depending on the type of skin cancer (please see pictures and details below of the different types of skin cancer). Any skin spot which is changing is itchy, tender or bleeding needs to be checked by a skin cancer specialist.
8. What is the most common place for skin cancer?
Skin cancers can occur at any part of your body, even which are not exposed to the sun. However, the most common places for skin cancer are the sun-exposed parts of our body, usually the face, scalp, and hands.
9. What are the early warning signs of Melanoma?
Early signs of melanoma are:
- Any new skin mole over the age of 40
- Any skin mole which is changing
- Any skin mole which is different to the rest of your skin moles (eg – darker in colour)
10. What does a Melanoma spot look like?
Melanoma can have variable appearance depending on how advanced it is. Early melanomas can have subtle changes over short periods of time, or it may be a mole that is different to the other moles on your body. Given the high mortality rate associated with melanomas, it is best to get any suspecting moles checked with a skin cancer specialist as soon as possible.
Short wait times and ample parking onsite available.
To book an appointment contact the Practice of follow the link below to book your skin check on line.
Contact Information:
Phone: 03 6243 8611
Email: admin@thelindisfarneclinic.com.au