Skin Cancer Checks & Treatment
At Friendship Square Medical, we provide skin checks, assessment of concerning spots, and treatment for selected skin cancers and sun-related skin damage.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so regular skin awareness and early assessment of changing spots are important. Many skin cancers can be treated effectively when found early, and your GP can help assess your risk, examine suspicious lesions and discuss the most appropriate next steps. Cancer Council Australia recommends speaking with your GP if a mole looks different, changes, or if a new mole appears after the age of 25.
How we can help
Our skin cancer services include:
Full skin checks
Assessment of new, changing or concerning spots
Dermoscopy assessment of moles and skin lesions
Review of sun damage
Assessment of freckles, moles, lumps, scaly patches and non-healing sores
Biopsies of suspicious skin lesions
Treatment of selected skin cancers
Cryotherapy for suitable sun spots and benign lesions
Excision of suitable skin cancers and suspicious lesions
Wound checks and suture removal
Referral to dermatologists or surgeons where required
Advice about sun protection and skin self-checks
Skin checks
A skin check involves examining your skin for spots or lesions that may need monitoring, treatment or further investigation. Your GP may use a dermatoscope, which is a handheld device that helps examine skin lesions in more detail.
Please let your GP know if you have noticed any new spots, changing moles, sores that do not heal, bleeding lesions, or areas that are painful, itchy, scaly or crusted. Healthdirect notes that skin cancer may first appear as a spot, lump or scaly area, or as a mole that changes colour, size or shape over weeks or months.
When should you book a skin check?
You may wish to book a skin check if you:
Have noticed a new or changing spot
Have a mole that looks different from your other moles
Have a sore that does not heal
Have a lesion that bleeds, becomes crusted or keeps returning
Have a history of skin cancer
Have a family history of melanoma
Have fair skin, freckles or many moles
Have had significant sun exposure or sunburns
Work or spend a lot of time outdoors
Are immunosuppressed
People at higher risk may need regular clinical skin examinations. Cancer Council Australia’s early detection position statement notes that individuals at higher risk should have clinical skin examinations every 6–12 months, with or without photography, and should also be encouraged to conduct regular self-examinations.
Skin cancer treatment
Not every skin lesion needs treatment, but some will need a biopsy, removal or referral.
Depending on the type, size and location of the lesion, your GP may discuss options such as monitoring, biopsy, cryotherapy, excision, topical treatment or referral to a dermatologist or surgeon. More complex lesions, lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas, or suspected melanomas may require specialist management.
Your GP will discuss the recommended approach, what is involved, expected healing time, costs and follow-up.
Sun protection and prevention
Regular skin checks are important, but prevention remains the best protection. Cancer Council NSW notes that protecting your skin from UV radiation is the best defence against skin cancer, and that regular checks for new or changed spots are also important.
Your GP can provide advice about sun protection, sunscreen use, monitoring your skin, and reducing your future risk.
Book an appointment
To arrange a skin check or discuss a concerning spot, please book an appointment with one of our GPs.
A dedicated skin check usually requires a longer appointment. Please tell reception when booking if you would like a full skin check, or if you have a specific spot of concern. If you have several issues to discuss, a separate appointment may be recommended so your GP has enough time to assess your skin properly.
