Skin Cancer Clinic

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia. Catching it early saves lives.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and the Macedon Ranges is no exception. The good news is that when skin cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable. At Neal Street Medical Centre, our GPs are experienced in skin cancer detection and management, offering thorough skin checks, mole mapping and advanced treatments including Photodynamic Therapy at our Gisborne clinic. If you have not had a skin check recently, now is a good time to book one.

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Doctor examining a woman's back with a magnifying lens in a clinical setting.

What to Expect

A skin check appointment at Neal Street Medical Centre is thorough but straightforward. Your GP will ask about your skin history, any spots you have noticed and your level of sun exposure before examining your skin carefully from head to toe. Wearing loose, easy to remove clothing makes the process easier.

If your GP identifies anything of concern, they will explain what they have found, what it might be and what the recommended next steps are. This might mean monitoring a spot over time, arranging a biopsy or referring you for specialist review. You will never be left wondering what happens next.

Most skin checks take around twenty to thirty minutes. If you have a specific spot you are concerned about, mention it when you book so your GP is aware before your appointment.

Why Early Detection Matters

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has a survival rate of over ninety five percent when caught at its earliest stage. That figure drops significantly the longer it goes undetected. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, while less aggressive, can also cause significant damage if left untreated.

Regular skin checks are one of the simplest and most effective things you can do for your long term health. If you are in any doubt about a spot, please do not wait. Book a skin check and let us take a look.

How We Help

A full skin check involves your GP examining your skin from head to toe, looking for any spots, moles or lesions that may be of concern. Our GPs use dermoscopy, a specialised magnification technique, to get a closer look at any areas that warrant further attention. If something looks suspicious, your GP will discuss next steps with you clearly and calmly.
How often you should have a skin check depends on your skin type, history and sun exposure. As a general guide, once a year is recommended for most adults, and more frequently if you have a history of skin cancer, a large number of moles or a fair complexion. Your GP can advise what is right for you.
Mole mapping at Neal Street Medical Centre is a step above standard skin surveillance. We use the Canfield IntelliStudio, one of the most advanced total body mole mapping systems in the world, to photograph and monitor your moles and skin lesions with exceptional precision.
The system creates a detailed photographic record of your skin that allows your GP to track changes over time and detect anything unusual at the earliest possible stage. It is particularly valuable for patients with a large number of moles, a family history of melanoma, or a history of skin cancer, though anyone who wants a thorough baseline record of their skin can benefit from it.
This level of technology, available right here in Gisborne, means you do not need to travel to a specialist clinic in the city to access world class skin surveillance.
If your GP identifies a spot that needs further investigation, a skin biopsy can be performed at the clinic. This involves removing a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis. If a lesion needs to be removed entirely, our GPs are experienced in minor surgical procedures and can take care of this at the clinic in most cases, without the need for a specialist referral.
Photodynamic Therapy, known as PDT, is an advanced treatment for certain types of skin conditions including sunspots, actinic keratoses and some superficial skin cancers. It involves applying a light-sensitive cream to the affected area and then activating it with a specific wavelength of light. PDT is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment that produces excellent cosmetic results and is now available at both our Gisborne clinic.
If your GP thinks PDT may be appropriate for you, they will explain the process in detail, including how many sessions you are likely to need and what to expect during and after treatment.
For patients with a history of skin cancer or a higher than average risk profile, regular ongoing surveillance is an important part of staying on top of your skin health. Our GPs can put together a skin surveillance plan tailored to your individual risk and schedule regular check-ups to monitor any changes over time.