Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. It’s completely normal to feel anxious or uncertain about what comes next. At our Tugun Skin Cancer Clinic, we’re here to provide clarity, guidance, and expert care. Our dedicated team of professionals takes the time to understand your concerns, offering personalised treatment and ongoing support to help you manage your skin health with peace of mind.

Why Are Skin Checks Important?

Australia enjoys sunshine year-round, recording some of the highest skin cancer rates globally. Research shows that nearly two in every three Australians will experience skin cancer during their lifetime. Although skin cancer is more common in older adults, it can also develop in younger people and even children, making regular screening essential.

However, it’s important to note that skin cancer can usually be treated successfully when caught early. This is because early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes and helps prevent more serious health issues down the line.

Why Choose Us As Your Trusted Skin Cancer Clinic in Tugun?

Our Tugun Skin Cancer Clinic is a proudly family-run practice, delivering care that considers your overall well-being, not just your symptoms. We believe that informed patients make empowered choices, so we’re committed to helping you understand how to protect your skin and maintain its health for the long term.

Our experienced medical professionals use the latest diagnostic tools and treatments in our skin cancer care facility, ensuring accuracy, comfort, and care throughout your visit. From your initial consultation to ongoing care, we’re here to support your skin health journey every step of the way.

Our Skin Cancer Services

Our care covers every stage of skin cancer, from detection and treatment to prevention and ongoing support, because your skin’s health is deeply connected to your overall well-being.

A simple skin checkup can save lives, and that’s why we conduct regular skin checks at our Tugun Skin Cancer Clinic. We use standardised procedures and diagnostic tests, including the ABCDE rule, the Ugly Duckling sign, and biopsies, to assist in the early detection and timely diagnosis of skin cancer.

Our treatment plans are personalised and based on the type and stage of the cancer. We offer a range of minimally invasive and evidence-based treatments, including cryotherapy, topical applications, curettage and cautery, as well as minor surgeries, all designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

At our skin cancer clinic in Tugun, we believe prevention is just as vital as treatment. That’s why we take a holistic approach to skin cancer care, integrating medical expertise with compassionate support to address your physical health, emotional needs, and long-term well-being, thereby promoting your overall quality of life.

Your Trusted Skin Cancer Care Team

Skin cancers come in many forms and affect people differently, based on variables such as genetics, age, skin tone, and sun exposure. That’s why routine skin checks are crucial for detecting changes early, enabling timely and effective treatment.

Book a consultation with our skilled team for a thorough skin cancer check in Tugun. We’re committed to delivering high-quality care to the local community and helping you stay ahead of any skin concerns.

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

Portrait of Dr. Russell O’Brien, GP at Coolangatta Medical Centre.

Dr Russell O’Brien

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Types of Skin Cancers

Skin cancer can develop in various forms and sizes, with differing degrees of severity and locations on the body.

Common Skin Cancers:

Accounting for roughly 80% of all skin cancer cases, basal cell carcinoma or BCC typically arises in the outer layer of the skin, which is known as the epidermis. It often presents as a translucent bump or a flat, scaly patch that slowly enlarges, especially on areas such as the head, neck, or upper torso that receive the most sun exposure. It’s more likely to develop in fair-skinned individuals and older adults, particularly those with a history of sun damage or prior radiation exposure.

Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as SCC, develops in the squamous cells of the skin and is the second most common form of skin cancer. Though it’s usually not life-threatening, untreated SCC can progress and spread. This type of cancer may appear as thickened, scaly, or crusty patches and is most commonly found in areas exposed to the sun. In most cases, UV light exposure, including from tanning beds, is the leading cause.

 

Aggressive Skin Cancers:

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, developing in the melanocytes, which are the pigment-producing cells of the skin. While early-stage melanoma is highly treatable, this skin cancer can spread quickly if left untreated. Melanomas can look like irregular moles and are commonly found on areas such as the back, legs, or face. They’re more prevalent in individuals with fair skin or a history of intense sun exposure.

Although rare, Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive and rapidly growing cancer. It typically appears as a painless, firm nodule on sun-exposed skin, particularly in older adults. This cancer is linked to factors such as immune suppression, older age, UV exposure, and certain viral infections. Due to the aggressive nature of Merkel cell carcinomas, early detection is key to managing them effectively.

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

Our Approach to Skin Cancer Checks and Early Detection

At our Coolangatta Tugun Skin Cancer Clinic, we offer a range of screening options, from quick mole checks to comprehensive full-body exams, to help detect any issues early on.

This procedure involves examining suspicious moles or lesions for signs such as asymmetry, irregular borders, colour changes, diameter, or evolution (the ABCDEs), as well as spotting any “ugly duckling” lesions that stand out from others.

The ABCDE Rule

This guideline is commonly used to identify suspicious moles or lesions:

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

Ugly Duckling Sign

This involves assessing a mole that looks different from the other spots, as it can be a warning sign of skin cancer.

This includes a comprehensive examination of your entire skin from head to toe to detect any unusual or potentially cancerous areas.

Using a handheld device, we magnify and illuminate the skin to examine lesions closely and accurately. This tool enables the early detection of even subtle skin changes that may indicate the presence of cancer.

To support your care, we offer a range of treatment options that are tailored to meet your individual needs, including:

  • 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 in Tugun serves the local communities of Currumbin, Bilinga, and surrounding areas in the southern part of the Gold Coast. 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

  • A new mole or a rough patch on the skin
  • A mole that bleeds
  • Itchy or painful skin growth
  • A wart-like growth
  • A red or skin-colored shiny bump on the top of the skin
  • A growth with a raised border and a central crust or bleeding
  • A mole or freckle that changes the shape, size, or colour
  • A sore that won’t heal or recurs
  • A scar-like growth without a well-defined border

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is generally considered more serious than basal cell carcinoma (BCC) as it is more likely to grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body.

The cost of treating skin cancer varies depending on the severity, type, stage, location of the tumour, and the treatment method required. More advanced cases typically involve more complex and costly procedures.

For personalised advice and a clearer understanding of your treatment options, it’s best to consult our experienced team at Tugun Skin Cancer Clinic.

or
Call (07) 5599 1400

  • CLINIC HOURS
    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.

  • FIND US
    Griffith Street,
    Coolangatta, QLD