Australia records over one million skin cancer treatments every year, with the majority linked to sun exposure. For many, hearing the words skin cancer can trigger stress, confusion, or fear, and that’s where we come in. At our Skin Cancer Clinic on the Gold Coast, we believe early intervention, education, and empathetic care can make all the difference. Our team is here to provide expert guidance, personalised treatment, and genuine support, so you never feel like you’re facing it alone.

Why Are Skin Checks Important?

With sunshine year-round, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. In fact, statistical data show that nearly two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. While commonly linked to ageing, skin cancer can also affect children and young adults, making early and routine skin checks essential for everyone.

Fortunately, when detected early, most skin cancers are highly treatable with straightforward procedures, minimising the risk of serious complications and supporting long-term health. This is why we offer regular skin cancer checks at our Gold Coast Clinic.

Why Choose Us As Your Trusted Skin Cancer Clinic on the Gold Coast?

Our Skin Cancer Clinic on the Gold Coast is a family-owned practice dedicated to personalised, thorough skin care grounded in trust and long-term wellbeing. We take a holistic approach that considers your overall health, not just your symptoms, which is essential to maintaining good skin health. Our experienced team of doctors uses advanced diagnostic tools and the latest treatment methods to deliver high-quality care.

Our Skin Cancer Services

Our skin care team offers a comprehensive range of skin cancer services, including diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention and support.

Early identification is crucial for effectively managing skin cancer. We offer thorough skin checks in our Gold Coast clinic, using recognised assessment techniques, such as the ABCDE rule and the ugly duckling method, as well as skin biopsies when necessary.

Depending on the type and severity of skin cancer, we offer a variety of treatment options. These include minor surgical procedures, freezing (cryotherapy), prescription creams, and scraping methods like curettage and cautery. Each treatment is carefully selected to align with your diagnosis and health goals.

We believe that supporting your skin health also means supporting your confidence and emotional well-being. In addition to medical treatments, we provide guidance, education, and ongoing care tailored to help you protect your skin, allowing you to feel your best.

Your Trusted Skin Cancer Care Team

Skin cancer risk varies based on factors such as sun exposure, genetics, age, and skin type, making regular skin checks essential for early detection, often before any symptoms appear. Our dedicated team provides thorough and compassionate care tailored to your specific needs.

Book a consultation today for a professional skin assessment from experts committed to protecting the health of our local community.

Professional headshot of Dr. Joy Akrawi, general practitioner at Coolangatta Medical Centre.

Dr Joy Akrawi

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Portrait of Dr Fatemeh Arya, GP at Coolangatta Medical Centre.

Dr Fatemeh Arya- Accepting ADHD Patients

Portrait of Dr. Peter De Wilde, GP at Coolangatta Medical Centre.

Dr Peter De Wilde

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Types of Skin Cancers

Skin cancer can appear in various shapes, sizes, and locations on the body, ranging from mild to more serious forms. The two most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with melanoma (common) and Merkel cell carcinoma (rare) being the most aggressive types.

Common Skin Cancers in Australia:

One of the most common types of skin cancer, it develops in the lower part of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It typically appears as a small, sometimes shiny bump or a flat, scaly patch that gradually grows over time. While sun exposure is the leading cause, it can also develop in people who received radiation therapy during childhood. It’s commonly found on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, or shoulders, especially in older individuals or those with fair skin.

SCC originates in the middle layers of the skin and is also common, particularly in individuals with a history of prolonged sun exposure. It typically appears as red, crusty, or scaly areas that may become raised or ulcerated. While most cases are treatable, SCC can grow deeper and spread if left unaddressed. This type of cancer can occur anywhere on the skin and is commonly found in sun-exposed areas in individuals with fair skin, and in less-exposed regions in those with darker skin tones.

Aggressive Skin Cancers in Australia:

Melanoma is the most invasive and deadly form of skin cancer, but it is highly curable if detected early. It develops in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and can occur anywhere on the body. Melanomas may appear in various colours such as black, brown, pink, or even skin-toned and may evolve over time. UV exposure is the leading cause of melanoma, and early detection significantly improves survival rates.

Rare but extremely aggressive, Merkel cell carcinoma generally affects older adults and appears as a firm, painless lump on sun-exposed areas. It spreads rapidly and may be linked to suppressed immune function or certain viruses. Due to its rapid progression, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

Dermatoscope being used for a skin cancer examination at Coolangatta Medical Centre

Our Approach to Skin Cancer Checks and Early Detection

At our Skin Cancer Clinic on the Gold Coast, we prioritise early detection of skin cancer through a range of screening options. If any suspicious spots are found, we may perform further testing to determine the nature and stage of the lesion.

Here’s how we screen for any skin changes:

We begin by visually inspecting moles and spots for unusual signs using established criteria, such as asymmetry, irregular edges, colour changes, size, and development over time (ABCDE rule).

The ABCDE Rule

This guideline is commonly used to identify suspicious moles or lesions, which include checking for:

  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Colour variation
  • Diameter larger than 6mm
  • Evolving size, shape, or colour

Ugly Duckling Sign

This method identifies moles that stand out or look distinctly different from the rest, which can be a warning sign of skin cancer.

We conduct a detailed head-to-toe check to examine your entire skin surface and identify any areas of concern.

Using a handheld magnifying tool called a dermatoscope, we closely examine moles or lesions for patterns that may not be visible to the naked eye, helping us detect cancers earlier and more accurately.

At our clinic, we offer a variety of treatment options that are specifically tailored to your diagnosis, and this may include:

  • Topical treatments
  • Curettage and cautery (scraping and burning the lesion)
  • Cryotherapy (freezing abnormal tissue)
  • Simple excisions (surgical removal)
  • Grafts and flaps (skin repair following surgery)

Areas We Serve

Our Skin Cancer Clinic on the Gold Coast serves many local communities in the nearby area. If you live in or near the following suburbs, the clinic is easily accessible from our location:

See our full list of medical services.

Payment Methods

Full fee is payable upfront on the day of your appointment and will be processed using a credit/debit card token provided at the time of booking.

Medicare rebate is processed on your behalf by our administration team and will be deposited into the account that you have nominated with Medicare within 24 to 48 hours. For more information about Medicare rebates, see our FAQs page.

Out-of-pocket fee is the amount you pay after Medicare has processed your rebate.

Other Medical Services We Offer

  • Family Medicine
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Health Checks for All

See our full list of medical services.

Frequently Asked Questions in Skin Cancer

Yes, a General Practitioner (GP) can diagnose and treat certain skin cancers, particularly early-stage basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Some GPs are also skilled in performing minor procedures such as excisions and cryotherapy, as well as prescribing topical treatments when appropriate.

At Skin Cancer Clinic on the Gold Coast, our GPs have extensive experience in managing a wide range of skin cancer cases, providing thorough and effective care. For more complex or advanced cases, we work closely with specialists to ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment.

The 5 common warning signs include:

  1. An open sore that doesn’t heal and may bleed or crust
  2. A reddish or irritated patch that may itch or hurt
  3. A shiny, pearly bump that can be clear, pink, red, white, or pigmented
  4. A small pink growth with a raised edge and a crusted centre
  5. A flat, scar-like area that is white, yellow, or waxy with shiny, tight skin

Skin cancer can go unnoticed for weeks to years, depending on the type. For instance, basal cell carcinoma often grows slowly over several years, and squamous cell carcinoma can develop over months, especially in advanced stages, when it may be mistaken for a persistent sore or scab. In contrast, early-stage melanoma may progress rapidly if left untreated.

This is why regular skin checks are offered at our Skin Cancer Clinic on the Gold Coast, to help catch changes early and ensure timely, effective treatment. If you notice any new or changing moles, sores that won’t heal, or any unusual skin changes, we recommend you see a healthcare professional promptly.

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    Monday – Friday  7:30am – 5pm
    Saturday 8:30am – 12:00pm ( Finish time may vary as per Saturday Doctors availability)
    Public Holidays – Please call the centre for more information.

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    Griffith Street,
    Coolangatta, QLD