Worried about skin cancer? Get early detection and expert care
Don't Wait, your skin health matters.
Noticing a new, changing, or non-healing skin lesion can be frightening. Many people feel shocked or anxious when skin cancer is mentioned, and these feelings are completely valid. Importantly, many cancerous skin lesions are highly treatable when detected early.
You should not ignore a suspicious spot or hope it disappears. There are safe, effective ways to assess and manage skin cancer. At Queensland Skin and Laser, we provide comprehensive skin checks and treatment. We focus on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate care. Our clinic offers bulk-billed skin checks (meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost), so cost is not a barrier to assessment.
Cancerous Skin Lesions
Cancerous skin lesions are areas of abnormal cell growth in the skin. They occur when skin cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming a lump, patch, or mole that behaves differently from surrounding skin. These lesions can appear anywhere on the body, often in areas exposed to the sun, but sometimes in less visible or sun-protected areas. Early detection is critical because treatment is most effective when lesions are identified before they grow deeper or spread. While some lesions grow slowly, others can develop quickly, making regular skin checks and awareness of changes essential.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for about two-thirds of all cases. It arises from basal cells in the lower layer of the epidermis. BCC usually appears as a pink, pearly, or scaly patch, or a shiny lump that may bleed, itch, or ulcerate. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can invade nearby tissue and nerves if left untreated. Early treatment is highly effective.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC develops from squamous cells in the top layer of the skin. It often presents as a thick, scaly, or crusted spot, or a rapidly growing pink lump. SCC can become invasive and, in some cases, spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Lesions on the head, neck, lips, and ears, on in people with weakened immune systems, carry a higher risk of spreading. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Melanoma: Melanoma arises from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. It is less common than BCC or SCC, but is the most serious due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas often appear as irregular, asymmetrical moles or dark spots that change in size, shape, or colour. They can develop on sun exposed areas or in less visible locations, such as the soles of the feet, palms, or nails. Early detection and removal significantly improves outcomes.
Know what to look for and stay one step ahead.
Macro and micro photographs of basal cell carcinomas on the scapula (shoulder blade) and lateral upper lip.
Macro and micro photographs of melanomas on the ear and mid-back.
How Do Cancerous Lesions Develop?
Cancerous lesions develop when skin cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. In most cases, this is caused by DNA damage in the cells, which affects their normal behaviour. UV radiation from sun exposure or tanning beds is the most common trigger, damaging the skin over time. While some lesions appear slowly, others develop quickly, making regular skin checks and early detection essential.
Causes & Risk Factors
- Pale, freckled, or easily sunburned skin
- Red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes
- Excessive or unprotected sun-exposure, including the use of tanning beds
- Previous skin cancers or family history of skin cancer
- Large numbers of moles or irregular moles (dysplastic naevi)
- Weakened immune system (e.g. due to medications, transplant, or certain illnesses)
- Age, with risk increasing over 40 years old
- Certain skin conditions (such as actinic keratosis)
Protect your skin by knowing your risk.
How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed at
Queensland Skin and Laser?
Detailed Medical History
Your medical history is discussed during your consultation to understand your personal and family history related to skin conditions and sun exposure.
Skin Cancer Check
During a skin check at Queensland Skin and Laser, our doctor carefully examines your entire body, including all moles and spots. A dermatoscope magnifies a lesions so doctors can examine its colour, shape, and structure in detail. This tool helps doctors identify features that the naked eye might miss. If a lesion appears unusual, the doctor may photograph it to analyse it more closely or track changes over time.
Biopsy
If there is any uncertainty, a biopsy is performed and sent to a pathologist for analysis. The biopsy confirms whether the lesion is cancerous, determines the type of skin cancer, and provides vital information for planning treatment, including how deeply the lesion has penetrated the skin.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is essential, as the prognosis for skin cancer is significantly improved when detected and treated promptly. Regular skin cancer checks combined with personal monitoring of your skin helps ensure that any cancerous lesions are detected early, when treatment is most effective.
How to Spot a Skin Cancer
Early detection is one of the most important factors in successfully treating skin cancer. Most skin cancers are first noticed by the person themselves, often as a new spot, a changing mole, or a sore that doesn’t heal. Knowing what to look for and regularly checking your skin can make a significant difference in outcomes. If you notice any suspicious changes, it is essential to seek professional assessment.
To help monitor your skin between professional checks, we recommend using two simple methods for assessing spots: the ABCDE method or the SCAN method.
Regular skin checks at Queensland Skin and Laser help detect issues early. Prioritise your skin health with our Brisbane clinic.
ABCDE METHOD
One way to monitor your skin at home is by using the ABCDE method, a simple guide to help identify skin spots that may need professional assessment.
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other in shape or appearance.
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, uneven, or not well defined.
- C – Colour: The spot contains multiple colours or uneven shading.
- D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), or is increasing in size.
- E – Evolving: Any spot that is changing over time, including changes in size, shape, or colour.
SCAN METHOD
Another way to monitor your skin at home is the SCAN method. Take time to examine your body for spots, including areas that don’t receive much sun exposure (such as the soles of your feet or palms). Use a mirror or ask someone you trust to help check hard-to-see areas, such as your back.
- S – Sore: Any spot that is sore, itchy, or bleeding and has not healed within six weeks.
- C – Changing: Any spot that is changing in size, shape, colour, or texture.
- A – Abnormal: A spot that looks or feels different from the others on your skin.
- N – New: Any new spot, particularly if you’re over 40.
EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS for
Cancerous Skin Lesions
Your Doctor Will Design a Personalised Treatment Plan
Treatment for cancerous skin lesions depends on the type, size, location, and depth of the lesion. Early detection allows for less invasive and more effective treatment. Queensland Skin and Laser offers a range of medically led options to suit different needs:
Surgical Removal
- Excision – Complete removal of the lesion with a margin of healthy skin. The excision is performed under local anaesthetic, usually with a few stitches. Healing takes 1–2 weeks.
- Punch – A small tool removes the entire lesion. Best for small lesions. Usually heals without stitches and leaves little or no scarring.
- Curettage & Electrodesiccation: Removes superficial skin lesions by scraping and cauterising the area, with quick healing and minimal bleeding, swelling, or scarring.
- Reconstructive Procedures – Skin grafts or flaps repair larger surgical wounds.
Non-Surgical Removal
- Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen freezes off certain sun spots or small, superficial lesions. Quick, effective, and nearly painless. Larger lesions may need more than one session.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – Light-activated cream targets pre-cancerous spots and superficial lesions.
- Topical Treatments – Prescription creams target early or superficial skin cancers.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Cancerous skin lesion Process
At Queensland Skin And Laser
Step-by-Step: Your Skin Cancer Treatment Journey
Consultation
During your consultation, your doctor will review your medical history, examin any suspicious lesions, and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your specific needs. This ensures your care is safe, effective, and tailored to your skin health goals.
Diagnosis
Before treatment, your doctor may perform a biopsy to confirm whether a lesion is cancerous and determine the type of skin cancer. This helps guide the most effective treatment approach for your specific diagnosis.
Procedure
In the clinic, treatment may involve surgical excision, curettage, cryotherapy, or PDT. The exact procedure depends on the type, size, and location of your skin cancer, and is selected to safely remove the lesion while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Aftercare & Results
Following treatment, your skin may be red, tender, or slightly flaky for several days. Your doctor will provide clear aftercare instructions after your procedure. It is important to avoid picking at treated areas and to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the lesion has been completely removed. Scars and changes in skin texture or colour may occur, but usually improve over time. To help healing and reduce scarring:
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Avoid direct sunlight on the wound
- Try not to stretch the area, as this can cause bleeding or widen the scar
Safe, personalised, and effective care from start to finish.
Adhering to post-operative care guidelines is crucial for optimal recovery and long-term skin health. At Queensland Skin and Laser, we are committed to supporting you through each stage of the process, ensuring the highest standards of care and personalised attention.
Preventing Cancerous Skin Lesions
Prevention is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Protecting your skin from UV radiation is key, as more than 95% of skin cancers are linked to sun exposure. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage skin cells, so consistent protection is essential year-round. Becoming familiar with your skin monitoring for new or changing spots also helps catch any issues early, when treatment is more effective.
Practical steps to lower your risk can significantly reduce lifetime risk. These prevention measures include:
- Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
- Wearing protective clothing
- Seeking shade during peak hours
- Avoiding tanning beds and limiting intense sun exposure, particularly in childhood
Regular skin checks, especially if you have risk factors or faimly history of skin cancer, further enhance early detection and prevention.
Possible Risks or Side Effects of treatment
Like all medical procedures, treatments for cancerous skin lesions carry potential risks and side effects. Understanding these can help you prepare and manage your recovery.
- Pain and Tenderness: Discomfort around the surgical site is common post-procedure, but will subside after a few days.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur during or after excision or curettage.
- Infection: There’s a small risk of infection at the treatment site, usually managed with proper care.
- Scarring: Surgical removal can result in noticeable scars.
- Redness & Swelling: Common after surgery, curettage, or PDT.
- Delayed Healing: Healing may take longer in areas with reduced blood supply or in patients with certain health conditions.
Cost of Skin Cancer Services
in Brisbane
At Queensland Skin and Laser, we aim to make skin cancer care accessible and transparent. Comprehensive skin checks are bulk-billed, meaning there is no-out-of-pocket cost for your assessment.
Many surgical procedures, including excisions for skin cancer, are eligible for Medicare rebates and are often bulk-billed, depending on your circumstances.
Some specialised treatments, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), do not attract a Medicare rebate. Your doctor will discuss all costs with you before any treatment is scheduled, ensuring you fully understand any fees and available options. This way, you can make informed decisions about your care without unexpected expenses.
Why Choose Queensland Skin and Laser
for Skin Cancer Care?
Queensland Skin and Laser offers medically-led, personalised care for the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous skin lesions. Our experienced team combines expert assessment, advanced treatment options, and ongoing support to ensure the best outcomes for your skin health.
Expert-Led
Care
Led by Dr. Mark Chernoff, a seasoned physician with expertise in skin cancer detection, general and cosmetic dermatology, and advanced laser therapies, the clinic ensures high standards of care across all treatments.
Advanced
Technology
Queensland Skin and Laser integrates state-of-the-art laser systems, HIFU, RF needling, and photodynamic therapy, offering the latest in skin rejuvenation, tightening, and sun damage treatment.
Patient-Centred,
Boutique Experience
Patients experience a personalised, boutique environment where their concerns are met with unmatched professionalism and dedicated care.
Complimentary Cosmetic
Consultations
Clients receive a free consultation with the clinic’s cosmetic nurses, making expert skin advice accessible without upfront costs.
Flexible Payment
Plans
Offering weekly payment options through Zip Pay, the clinic ensures financial flexibility for both cosmetic and medical treatments.
Trusted Reputation
and Certifications
As a Fellow of the RACGP, an accreditation assessor, and an experienced dermatology professional, Dr. Chernoff and his team are recognised for their commitment to high standards, safety, and patient well-being.
Meet Dr Mark Chernoff
BSC (EXHP), MBBS (MELB), FRACGP, MFIN, CFTP
Dr Mark Chernoff earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Physiology, followed by a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Melbourne in 2010. He began his postgraduate career at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, specialising in general and plastic surgery.
Dr Chernoff serves as a Visiting Medical Officer in Emergency Medicine and works as a general practitioner in rural NSW. With extensive experience in skin cancer surgery, medical laser treatments and cosmetic medicine, he also contributes to medical education by supervising registrars for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
To book an appointment, click the button above, call 07 3544 6425, or email admin@qldskinandlaser.com.
Find us here:
- Level 2 – 445 Upper Edward St
Spring Hill QLD 4000
Frequently Asked Questions About
Skin Cancer Brisbane
YOUR SKIN CANCER QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What does skin cancer or a cancerous skin lesion look like?
A cancerous skin lesion can take many forms, depending on the type of skin cancer. BCC often appear as a pearly, pink, or scaly patch that may bleed or itch, while SCC may present as a thick, crusted, or rapidly-growing lump. Melanoma usually appears as an irregular, asymmetrical mole or dark spot that changes in colour, shape, or size. Any spot that looks or feels different from other areas of your skin, or does not heal within a few weeks, should be checked by a qualified doctor. Regular skin checks and self-monitoring are crucial for early detection and successful management.
How are skin cancers diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a thorough skin examination. If there is any uncertainty, a biopsy is performed to confirm whether the lesion is cancerous and determine its type. The results guide the most appropriate treatment plan. Early diagnosis is essential, as the prognosis for skin cancer is significantly improved when detected and treated promptly.
What are the treatment options for skin cancer?
Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and depth of the lesion. Common options include surgical excision, curettage, cryotherapy, and PDT. Surgical excision removes the cancerous tissue with a margin of healthy skin, while curettage scrapes the lesion and removes abnormal cells. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze superficial lesions, and PDT uses a light-activated cream to target early or surface-level cancers. Your doctor will recommend the safest and most effective treatment for your specific condition.
Can skin cancer be prevented?
Yes, skin cancer prevention focuses on protecting your skin from UV radiation and monitoring for early signs of abnormal growths. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours can significantly reduce risk. Regular self-checks and professional skin examinations are also critical for catching skin cancer early, before it becomes invasive. Adopting these habits consistently can dramatically lower your lifetime risk.
How can I tell if a mole is cancerous?
Moles that are irregular in shape, uneven in colour, growing, or different from other spots on your skin may indicate melanoma. Look for asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, diameter larger than 6mm, and evolution over time. The SCAN acronym can help: Sore, Changing, Abnormal, New. Any concerning mole should be examined by a doctor promptly. Regular skin checks are recommended, especially for those with many moles or a family history of skin cancer.
What are the early signs of basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?
BCC often appears as a small, pearly, pink, or scaly bump that may bleed, crust, or itch. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads, but can damage surrounding tissue if left untreated. Early treatment is simple and effective, often involving excision or curettage. If you notice a persistent or unusual spot, seek assessment from a medical professional.
How fast does a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) grow?
SCC can develop more quickly than BCC, sometimes over weeks to months. It may appear as a thick, crusted, or scaly lump that is tender or bleeds easily. SCC has a higher risk of spreading if left untreated, particularly on the face, lips, ears, or in people with weakened immune systems. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, often through excision or cryotherapy, are essential to prevent complications.
Can skin cancer return after treatment?
Yes, having one skin cancer increases the risk of developing another in the future. Regular self-monitoring and professional skin checks are critical for early detection of new lesions. Most recurrences can be treated successfully if caught early. Queensland Skin and Laser provides ongoing follow-up and guidance to help patients reduce risk and monitor for any changes.
Are all skin cancers caused by sun exposure?
While UV radiation is responsible for more than 95% of skin cancers, some melanomas can occur in areas not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet, under nails, or in mucosal areas. Genetics, family history, and certain skin conditions also influence risk. Knowing your personal risk factors are crucial for implementing prevention strategies.
How often should I get a skin check?
The frequency depends on your risk factors. People with fair skin, a history of sunburns, many moles, or prior skin cancers should have regular professional skin checks, often every 6-12 months. Those at lower risk may benefit from annual examinations. Queensland Skin and Laser offers comprehensive bulk-billed skin assessments to help you stay proactive about your skin health.
What should I do if I find a new or changing spot?
Any new, changing, or unusual spots should be assed by a medical professional as soon as possible. Early evaluation allows for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, improving outcomes. Do not wait for a spot to resolve on its own. Queensland Skin and Laser provides prompt consultation and treatment plans tailored to each patient.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Have any questions about skin cancer or skin checks in Brisbane? Complete the form below and we will get back to you shortly.
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