Skin Checks and Treatment of Skin Cancer
Skin Checks and Skin Cancer Treatment in Tiaro QLD
At Bopple Surgery, we provide comprehensive skin checks and GP-led treatment for skin cancers and other skin conditions for patients across Tiaro and the wider Fraser Coast region. All assessments and procedures are performed by our experienced general practitioners in a safe, clinical setting.
Queensland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Living and working in high UV environments significantly increases lifetime exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the primary cause of skin cancer in Australia. Regular skin checks and prompt assessment of any changes to your skin are among the most important steps you can take to protect your long-term health.
Why Regular Skin Checks Matter
Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia. The three main types, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), vary significantly in behaviour, risk and treatment. Melanoma in particular can progress quickly, making early identification and assessment important.
Your skin is your body's largest organ. Changes that may appear minor, a new spot, a mole that has changed in shape, colour or size, a sore that does not heal, or an unusual growth, should always be assessed by a GP promptly rather than monitored at home indefinitely.
We encourage all patients to:
- Monitor their skin regularly for new or changing spots, lesions or sores
- Book a GP appointment if any irregularities are noticed rather than waiting
- Have areas that are difficult to self-examine, such as the back, scalp and behind the ears, checked at a clinical skin assessment
The frequency of recommended skin checks varies depending on your personal risk factors, including skin type, family history, history of previous skin cancers and cumulative sun exposure. Your GP will advise on an appropriate review schedule for your individual circumstances.
Skin Assessments at Bopple Surgery
A skin check at Bopple Surgery involves a thorough examination of your skin by a GP. During your assessment, your GP will:
- Examine your skin from head to toe, including areas difficult to self-monitor
- Assess any spots, moles or lesions of concern using clinical judgement
- Discuss findings with you clearly and in plain language
- Recommend further investigation, monitoring or treatment as clinically appropriate
- Arrange referral to a specialist if required
If you have a specific lesion or area of concern, please let our reception team know when booking so that adequate appointment time can be allocated.
Treatments and Procedures We Offer
Where a lesion requires treatment, Bopple Surgery GPs are able to perform a range of procedures on-site, reducing the need for patients to travel to specialist services for straightforward cases.
Skin Excisions
Surgical excision involves the careful removal of a skin lesion and a margin of surrounding tissue. Our GPs perform minor surgical excisions for the treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers where clinically appropriate. The excised tissue is typically sent for pathological analysis to confirm diagnosis and ensure complete removal.
Skin Biopsies
A biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of tissue from a suspicious lesion for laboratory examination. Biopsies allow for accurate diagnosis of skin conditions including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Your GP will explain the procedure, what to expect and how results will be communicated to you.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal or pre-cancerous skin cells, allowing healthy skin to regenerate. It is commonly used for certain benign skin lesions and selected early skin changes. The procedure is brief and is performed in-clinic. Your GP will determine whether cryotherapy is an appropriate treatment for your particular lesion.
All treatment decisions are made by your GP based on your individual clinical presentation. Not all lesions require treatment, and not all treatments are appropriate for every lesion or patient. Your GP will explain your options clearly and discuss the most appropriate pathway for your situation.
When to See Your GP Sooner
While routine annual or biannual skin checks are appropriate for many patients, some changes to the skin warrant a prompt GP appointment rather than waiting for a scheduled review. Please book an appointment as soon as possible if you notice:
- A new spot or lesion that is growing, changing shape or changing colour
- A mole that has become irregular, raised or is bleeding
- A sore or ulcer that has not healed within a few weeks
- A spot that is itching, crusting or oozing persistently
- Any skin change that concerns you, even if you are unsure of its significance
If you are in any doubt, book an appointment. Early assessment is always preferable to delayed review.
Referral and Specialist Care
Where a skin cancer or lesion is beyond the scope of on-site management, or where specialist input is required for complex cases, Bopple Surgery GPs will coordinate timely referral to an appropriate specialist, such as a dermatologist or surgical specialist. We aim to make this process as straightforward as possible, providing clear documentation and supporting continuity of your care throughout the process.
Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention
Reducing UV exposure remains the most effective long-term strategy for lowering skin cancer risk. Bopple Surgery GPs can provide practical, evidence-based advice on sun protection as part of your skin check or general health consultation, including guidance on sunscreen use, protective clothing and sun exposure habits appropriate for Queensland's climate.
This content is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. All skin assessments, diagnoses and treatment decisions are made by AHPRA-registered medical practitioners based on your individual clinical presentation. Outcomes of skin checks and treatments vary and no guarantee of diagnostic or treatment results is expressed or implied. If you notice a rapidly changing or concerning skin lesion, seek medical attention promptly. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately.