Each year, over 750,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer, a number that continues to rise. Behind this statistic are real people facing real uncertainty, and that’s where we come in. At Coolangatta Tweed Heads Skin Cancer Clinic, we understand that receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Why Are Skin Checks Important?

Blessed with abundant sunshine throughout the year, Australia also has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. It is estimated that two out of three Australians are expected to be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Although skin cancer is more common in older adults, it can also affect younger individuals and children, making early detection crucial.

The good news is that if skin cancer is caught early, treatment is often highly successful, giving you the best chance to stay healthy and avoid more serious complications.

Why Choose Us As Your Trusted Skin Cancer Clinic?

As a family-owned practice, our skin cancer clinic in Tweed Heads Coolangatta takes great pride in embracing a holistic approach to patient care, treating your health and wellbeing as a complete whole. That’s why we prioritise patient education, equipping you with practical knowledge and tools to protect your skin and promote lifelong wellness.

With state-of-the-art facilities, our highly experienced doctors use the latest technologies for the detection and treatment of skin cancers, ensuring the highest standards of care. At our Coolangatta Tweed Heads skin cancer clinic, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way on your journey to optimal health.

Our Skin Cancer Services

Your skin’s health is our priority, and we provide a comprehensive range of skin cancer services, covering everything from diagnosis and treatment to prevention and support.

A simple skin checkup can make a world of a difference, and that’s why we conduct regular skin checks at our Tweed Heads Coolangatta Skin Cancer Clinic. Our team uses 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, including melanoma.

When it comes to skin cancer treatment, we offer a range of evidence-based options tailored to the type, stage, and extent of the cancer. These may include topical therapies, curettage and cautery, cryotherapy, and other minor surgical procedures, all aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes.

As a patient-centred clinic, we believe that caring for your skin involves more than managing physical symptoms. It also means supporting your emotional well-being. Healthy skin plays a significant role in how you feel about yourself, and we’re committed to providing compassionate care that not only addresses the condition but also improves your quality of life.

Your Trusted Skin Cancer Care Team at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Skin Cancer Clinic

There are many types of skin cancer, each varying in severity and how they affect individuals. The risk of developing skin cancer also varies from person to person, influenced by factors such as sun exposure, skin type, family history, and age. Therefore, routine skin checks are crucial for detecting changes early, enabling timely and effective treatment.

Book an appointment with one of our experienced doctors in Coolangatta Tweed Heads for a comprehensive skin cancer check. Our team is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, providing expert care for the local community.

Portrait of Dr. Joanna Hutcheon, GP at Coolangatta Medical Centre.

Dr. Joanna Hutcheon

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

Dr. Fatemeh Arya

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

Dr. Russell O’Brien

Portrait of Dr. Sylvie Rogenmoser, GP at Coolangatta Medical Centre.

Dr. Sylvie Rogenmoser

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

Dr. Joy Akrawi

Portrait of Dr. Mark Fiel, GP at Coolangatta Medical Centre.

Dr. Mark Friel

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 forms, sizes, and locations on the body. The main types include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the more aggressive forms, which are melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.

The most common types are:

This is one of the most common types of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It develops in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). It typically appears as a small, sometimes shiny bump or a flat, scaly patch that gradually grows over time. These growths most often occur on sun-exposed areas, such as the head and neck, but can appear anywhere on the body. While sun exposure is the main cause, it can also develop in people who received radiation therapy during childhood. In addition, older individuals and those with fair skin are at a higher risk of developing this cancer.

This is also a common type of skin cancer that begins in the squamous cells of the skin’s middle and outer layers. While usually not life-threatening, untreated SCC can grow, spread, and lead to serious complications. Most cases are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning devices. It can appear in various ways, often as a red, scaly, or crusty patch of skin that may be thickened or raised. 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.

Melanoma is the most invasive and deadly form of skin cancer, but it is highly curable if detected early. It develops from melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. While most melanomas are black or brown, they can also appear pink, red, purple, or skin-coloured. They commonly form on sun-exposed areas, such as the arms, back, face, and legs, but can also occur in the eyes or, rarely, inside the body. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, most melanomas are linked to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from the sun or tanning beds. This cancer grows rapidly and can spread to other organs, and is more common among women under 40 and those with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue eyes.

This rare skin carcinoma is more aggressive than melanoma and can be life-threatening. Merkel cell carcinoma most often appears as a small, painless bump on the face, head, or neck, commonly affecting individuals over the age of 50. It originates in the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, and tends to grow rapidly, spreading quickly to nearby lymph nodes and other organs. The risk factors for developing Merkel cell carcinoma include long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, a weakened immune system, older age, and certain viral infections. Due to its aggressive nature, early detection and treatment are critical 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 Coolangatta Tweed Heads Skin Cancer Clinic, we focus on early detection through a range of non-invasive screening options, from quick spot checks to comprehensive full-body examinations. Additional investigations may also be conducted to determine if it is cancerous and to identify its type and stage.

Here are some of the most commonly used methods to assess the skin:

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

The ABCDE Rule

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

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

Ugly Duckling Sign

This involves identifying a mole that looks different from the others (an odd one out), which can be a warning sign of skin cancer.

This involves a thorough head-to-toe examination of your entire skin to identify any unusual or potentially cancerous spots.

This is a non-invasive procedure that is carried out using a handheld magnifying device to closely examine skin lesions and detect early signs of skin cancer.

At our Coolangatta Tweed Heads Skin Cancer Clinic, we recognise that every skin cancer treatment journey is unique, which is why we tailor our approach to meet your individual needs. To support your care, we offer a range of treatment options, 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 Tweed Heads Coolangatta serves many local communities in the southern part of the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads. If you live in or near the following suburbs, our clinic is easily accessible from the location:

  • Tweed Heads
  • Tweed Heads South
  • Tweed Heads West
  • Bilinga
  • Cobaki Lakes
  • Tugun

To explore our other medical services, click here.

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

To see more of our medical services, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions in Skin Cancer

  • UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds
  • Fair skin
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Having many moles
  • Weakened immunity
  • Arsenic exposure

Other factors, such as occupational hazards and certain medical conditions, may also contribute to the development of skin cancer.

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

Although skin cancer is often painless in its early stages, it can sometimes cause discomfort, such as pain (7% of melanomas), itching, or tenderness.

In Australia, most adults are advised to have a yearly skin check, while those at higher risk may need checks every 3 to 6 months. Our doctors at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Skin Cancer Clinic also recommend that you do regular self-examinations every three months, as they play a key role in early detection.

Yes, sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer by causing skin damage that builds up over time, leading to cancers such as melanoma.

Yes, individuals with dark skin can develop skin cancer. Although the risk is lower compared to those with lighter skin tones, it’s important to remember that no one is immune. Regular skin checks help catch any changes early, making treatment easier and more effective.

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    Griffith Street,
    Coolangatta, QLD