Skin checks are an important service that we are proud to offer at Service Street Medical Centre. Skin checks only take about fifteen minutes. Regular skin checks could save your life, so call our friendly team to make an appointment.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Click on the drop downs below for more information.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common cancer found during routine skin checks, accounting for approximately 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It is often found on the head, neck, face, upper body, and areas frequently exposed to the sun.
Appearance
BCCs may appear as a pale coloured, dry, scaly patch, as a pearly lump, or as a bright pink, shiny spot. BCCs may bleed and become inflamed, or appear to heal before breaking down again.
From puberty to menopause, caring for your breasts is an important part of being a woman. We facilitate breast care at all stages of life, from arranging mammograms to breastfeeding advice and regular breast checks.
Squamous cell carcinoma makes up about 30% of the non-melanoma skin cancers. SCCs often grow rapidly and may spread to other parts of the body, making regular skin checks essential.
Appearance
SCCs often appear as a rapidly growing lump, as a red, scaly patch or a sore that won’t heal. They are sometimes mistaken for a boil and can feel tender when touched. They are most commonly found in areas of frequent sun exposure, such as the head, face, neck and limbs.
Melanoma is the least common but by far the most serious skin cancer. An estimated 1700 deaths from melanoma occurred in 2016, with approximately 13 000 new cases diagnosed. We advise regular skin checks for anyone with a higher risk of melanoma.
Appearance
Melanoma may appear as a change in the size, shape or colour of an existing mole or it may appear as a new mole. It may bleed or ooze and can feel itchy, hard, swollen or tender when touched.
Did you know?
Did you know your risk factors?
Some people are at greater risk of skin cancer than others. The risk factors include:
At Service Street Medical Centre we use up to date technology and our professional team stays current with best-practice diagnosis and treatment.
Regular skin checks are essential, so make your appointment today.
Call our friendly team on (03) 5141 0811 or use our online booking service.