Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Easy T and Robina Town Skin Cancer Clinics provide a range of treatment options with patients’ best interests in mind. In many cases, skin cancer treatments can be carried out at our clinics cost-effectively and with minimal disruption. Here are the skin cancer treatments we commonly perform at our clinics:
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is simply liquid nitrogen, applied directly to the skin at -140 degrees. Abnormal or precancerous cells die, and normal cells recover. Cryotherapy is used to treat solar keratoses for instance, which is damaged, pre-cancerous skin, something we commonly see in older patients. Cryotherapy is also used to remove skin tags and warts.
Curettage
Curettage is a simple procedure used to treat minor forms of skin cancer. If the cancer doesn’t penetrate too far beneath the surface, it can be scraped away under local anaesthetic using a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette. The wound is then sealed with heat to stop the bleeding. Healing takes a couple of weeks and a small white scar remains.
Surgical Removal
A common form of skin cancer treatment is to surgically manage the cancer, which usually refers to removing the entire cancerous lesion from the skin. In most cases this can be carried out at the procedure room in our clinic under local anaesthetic and patients are able to go straight home after the procedure.
For more complex cases, Dr Brian Larter at the Skin Cancer Clinic is equipped to offer Advanced Skin Cancer Surgery procedures. This includes reconstructive techniques such as skin grafts and flap repairs, in addition to lower limb surgery and head, scalp and neck surgery using plastic surgery techniques. Dr Larter is in close cooperation with with plastic surgeons and dermatologists for complicated cases.
For surgery on the eyelid area, GP’s tend to send patients to an Ocular plastic specialist. Patients have the option to choose to be referred to a plastic surgeon for any surgical matter, if they prefer.
Other Treatment Options
Topical treatments
Some skin cancers can be treated topically with a cream containing Fluorouracil (5FU). This is a drug used in chemotherapy and works when applied directly to the cancerous area. Topical treatments generally take a few weeks to get results.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy (also called radiation therapy) uses radiation to kill cancer cells in areas that are difficult to treat with surgery. If your doctor advises Radiotherapy as a potential treatment option they will refer you to a specialist and coordinate your treatment.
Melanoma Treatment
If a biopsy or excision is identifies a lesion as melanoma, your GP will usually refer you to a specialist for further treatment.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
If you are unsure of the type of appointment to book, please contact Reception in the first instance.
Why Choose RTMC
Caring, friendly doctors
New patients welcome
Easy parking
Quality accreditation
Unique expertise
Patient-centered care
Your Appointment
Use online bookings to make your next appointment quickly and conveniently, any time of day. If your appointment type is not available online, please phone the practice to book.
Robina Town Centre
Easy T Centre