SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer treatments

Depending on the type of skin cancer or lesion, a wide range of treatments is available.

  • Surgical procedures
  • Non-surgical treatments
  • Medications
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Patient undergoing laser skin treatment Book a consultation

We follow Australian guidelines for the management of skin cancers.

Our treatment objectives for skin cancers are:

  1. Clearance of cancer.
  2. Preservation of function.
  3. Optimum cosmetic result.

Wherever possible, we take into account our patients’ preferences to achieve the best balance of clinical outcome, cosmetic result, appearance, cost and maintenance of function and activities following treatment.

This page provides an overview of the treatments we use to manage skin cancers, pre-cancerous conditions, sun damage and dermatological conditions.

Dr Chris Miller
Written by Dr Chris Miller Accredited skin cancer doctor

MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci

Surgical treatments

Excision of a pigmented skin lesion using a scalpel
Excison

Excision or excision biopsy is a procedure where a doctor cuts around a skin lesion through the full thickness of skin, usually closing the resulting hole with stitches.
Punch biopsy
Punch biopsy

A circular blade is pushed into the skin, removing a cylinder of tissue. This procedure may be used to take a sample of tissue from a skin lesion, or if the lesion is small it can be entirely removed using a punch blade.
Shave biopsy
Shave biopsy

Shave biopsy or excision is a minor procedure where a thin sliver of skin is shaved horizontally. It can be used to diagnose an unknown or suspicious lesion, or to completely remove a raised mole or other benign lesion.

Non-surgical procedures

Cryotherapy spray treating lesion on hand
Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy destroys cells by freezing them. It is useful for treating shallow and flat skin lesions such as superficial skin cancers, solar keratoses, lentigines and some seborrhoeic keratoses.
PDT: a clinician applies topical cream to a man's face using a spatula
Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy uses light to activate an immune response in the skin. It is an effective treatment for people with multiple solar keratoses or skin cancers where surgery is not appropriate and a good cosmetic outcome is required.
Fractional laser treatment
Fractional laser

Fractional laser treatment treats solar keratoses and sun-damaged skin while improving skin health and appearance and reducing skin cancer risk.
LED phototherapy / light therapy using yellow light on a woman's face
LED low level light therapy

LED light therapy has therapeutic effects in the management of skin wounds and inflammation. It's commonly used to promote healing after procedures.
Diathermy/electrosurgery of a lesion on a woman's left shoulderblade
Electrosurgery (diathermy)

Electrosurgery involves burning off skin lesions with a heated probe, offering a quick, effective treatment with minimal aftercare.

Medications

Topical medications for skin cancers and solar keratoses
Topical medications for skin cancers and solar keratoses

Superficial skin cancers and large numbers of solar keratoses can sometimes be treated effectively using topical medications.
Woman using topical retiniod
Topical retinoids

Retinoids are used in the management of acne and sun-damaged and ageing skin.
A young person with rosacea
Medications for rosacea

Rosacea can be managed with a combination of gentle skin care, topical and oral medications.
Woman applying a medication for melasma
Medications for melasma

Treatment of melasma includes a combination of careful sun avoidance, regular skin care and prescription and non-prescription medications.
Vitamin B3/nicotinamide tablets
Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) tablets

Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) reduces the risk of some skin cancers in high-risk people. It also treats and prevents solar keratoses.

Meet our team

Meet our team

Our doctors, nurses and dermal clinicians have qualified experience in managing skin cancer, skin conditions and selecting and providing aesthetic treatments.

Dr Chris Miller
Accredited skin cancer doctor

Dr Chris Miller

Dr Chris Miller is a primary care skin cancer doctor, and principal doctor at Spot Check Clinic, since 2017.
Dr Sahar Shirkhanloo
Skin cancer doctor

Dr Sahar Shirkhanloo

Sahar is a skin cancer doctor committed to the early detection and surgical intervention of skin cancers.
Valerie Tra
Registered nurse/dermal clinician

Valerie Tra

Valerie is a registered nurse with qualifications and extensive experience in dermal therapies.
Courtney S
Receptionist & melanographer

Courtney S

Courtney has been immersed in healthcare administration since 2006, serving diverse medical specialties in Australia and abroad.
Dusko Lapcevic
Business Manager

Dusko Lapcevic

Dusko played a key role in establishing Spot Check Clinic alongside Dr. Miller.
Meet our team

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