We are qualified and experienced GPs with specialist postgraduate qualifications in skin cancer surgery and skin cancer diagnosis. Practitioners who work at this practice have been accredited by the Skin Cancer College of Australasia and/or New Zealand Skin Cancer Doctors Inc. We undertake minor surgery in our theatre, saving you spending time at day surgery, other specialist centres and hospitals. Procedures include surgical removal of skin cancers, moles, warts, skin tags, etc. We may refer more advanced and complex skin surgeries to other specialists such as plastic surgeons, dermal surgeons and hospitals. Skin Cancer in New Zealand New Zealand has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. The most common forms of skin cancer usually appear on areas of skin that have been over-exposed to the sun. Risk factors for developing skin cancer may include prolonged exposure to the sun, skin type, genetics and over-exposure to UV light from sun beds. There are three main types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) This is the most common type and is found on skin surfaces that are exposed to sun. A BCC remains localised and does not usually spread to other areas of the body. Sometimes BCC's can ulcerate and scab so it is important not to mistake it for a sore. BCC's occur more commonly on the face, arms and back. They appear usually as small, red lumps that don’t heal and sometimes bleed or become itchy. They have the tendency to change in size and sometimes in colour. Treatment Often a BCC can be diagnosed just by its appearance. In other cases it will be removed totally and sent for examination and diagnosis, or a biopsy may be taken and just a sample sent for diagnosis. Removal of a BCC will require an appointment with a doctor or surgeon. It will be termed minor surgery and will require a local anaesthetic (numbing of the area) and possibly some stitches. A very small number of BCCs will require a general anaesthetic (you will sleep through the operation) for removal, if this is required a referral will be made to the appropriate facility. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) This type of skin cancer also affects areas of the skin that have exposure to the sun. The most common area is the face but a SCC can also affect other parts of the body and can spread to other parts of the body. The spreading (metastasising) can potentially be fatal if not successfully treated. A SCC usually begins as a keratosis that looks like an area of thickened scaly skin, it may then develop into a raised, hard lump which enlarges. SCC's can sometimes be painful. Often the edges are irregular and it can appear wart like, the colour can be reddish brown. Sometimes it can appear like a recurring ulcer that does not heal. All SCC's will need to be removed, because of their potential for spread. The removal and diagnosis is the same as for a BCC. Malignant Melanoma This is the most serious form of skin cancer as it can spread to other parts of the body and people can die from this disease. A Melanoma usually starts as a pigmented growth on normal skin. They often, but not always, occur on areas that have high sun exposure. In some cases, a melanoma may develop from existing pigmented moles. At Torbay Skin we often find Melanoma as small as 1-2mm in size. What to look for: an existing mole that changes colour (it may be black, dark blue or even red and white) the colour pigment may be uneven the edges of the mole/freckle may be irregular and have a spreading edge the surface of the mole/freckle may be flaky/crusted and raised sudden growth of an existing or new mole/freckle inflammation and or itchiness surrounding an existing or new mole/freckle. Treatment It is important that any suspect moles or freckles are checked by a Specialist GP or a dermatoscopist. The sooner a melanoma is treated, there is less chance of it spreading. A biopsy or removal will be carried out depending on the size of the cancer. Tissue samples will be sent for examination, as this will aid in diagnosis and help determine the type of treatment required. If the melanoma has spread more surgery may be required to take more of the affected skin. Samples from lymph nodes that are near to the cancer may be tested for spread, then chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required to treat this spread. Once a melanoma has been diagnosed, a patient may be referred to an oncologist (a doctor who specialises in cancer). A melanoma that is in the early stages can be treated more successfully and cure rates are much higher than one that has spread.

For a Whole Body Check (WBC), please allow up to 40 minutes. You will be asked to undress to your underwear; a gown is provided. If possible, remove nail polish and avoid heavy makeup. A qualified practitioner will note down relevant medical history before conducting a comprehensive examination of your skin using a hand-held dermatoscope (a specialised magnifier for viewing the skin), to check your skin for unusual lesions, spots, freckles and moles. Locational photos and anything suspicious will be photographed using High-Resolution Digital Photography. The resulting images are stored securely on our state-of-the-art Canfield Mirror Dermagraphix Body Mapping Software for future comparison. This greatly improves the accuracy and monitoring in follow up skin checks. Research shows about 80% of melanomas appear as new spots on the skin, and about 20% will arise from an existing mole. A combination of dermatoscopic and clinical photography allows us to keep an eye on suspicious moles. By keeping track of their size, shape and colour we can quickly identify if a mole has changed and take appropriate action early. With a record of your existing lesions from your previous visit, new ones are easy to spot and record. You may have lesions that require treatment with Liquid Nitrogen (cryotherapy), or require a punch biopsy during the appointment. If an excision is necessary, this will be discussed at the time and a further surgical appointment booked. Torbay Skin is well equipped with a dedicated theatre.