Skin Checks
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in NZ with 80% of new cancers diagnosed in NZ being skin cancers.
New Zealand has the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Melanoma is the fastest-growing and most dangerous form of skin cancer. When detected early and treated appropriately, the outcomes are very favourable.
Non-melanoma Skin Cancer includes various types, with the two most prevalent being Basal Cell Cancer (BCC) and Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC). The most common of these is BCC, which is usually less aggressive and curable with early treatment. If left untreated, it can result in significant symptoms such has bleeding, discomfort and rarely spread. SCC, though less dangerous than melanoma, can still be quite aggressive. Timely surgery for most BCC and SCCs is curative.
Skin cancer is highly preventable through sun protection strategies.
If you have a lump, mole, or spot that is sore, abnormal, changing or new, it is best to get it checked. Not all lesions need surgery- but they need to be examined and diagnosed.
Personal or family history and Immunosuppression are strong risk factors for skin cancer, and organ transplant recipients are at very high (very much above average) risk of skin cancers.
Two of our seniors nurses have completed training in dermoscopy. They have a lot of experience as they are involved with patient care on a daily basis at the practice as well as regularly working with two private surgeons who trust their skills.
We diagnose using dermoscopy that uses a state-of-the-art, non-invasive imaging system that makes early diagnosis of skin cancer possible. Diagnosis using dermoscopy is much more accurate in comparison to clinical examination alone. This means fewer unnecessary excisions of benign lesions and a higher pick-up rate of potentially dangerous skin cancers.
Our dermoscopy nurses can perform either a comprehensive, full body assessment to identify areas that may need further analysis, or they can do a Spot Check of a mole or spot that is of particular concern to the patient.
Treatment is only offered if it is needed. Some of the treatments/procedures we use are:
- Topical treatment with Aldara or Efudix
- Liquid nitrogen
- Shave excision
- Punch biopsy
- Excision with primary closure
- Excision with Flap or graft closure.
All of these treatments are offered at Peninsula Medical Centre by GP Dr Akanksha Bhargava who has significant additional surgical training and is accredited by Te Whata Ora. She routinely performs both major and complex skin cancer procedures for Te Whata Ora if they can be done under Local Anaesthetic . Dr Bhargava has completed training in both dermoscopy and Skin cancer medicine/Surgery.
Our Dermoscopy Nurses are happy to see patients from other practices or visitors. To book a consultation please call us and speak to one of our Nurses.
