SKIN CANCER TREATMENT SUNSHINE COAST

Q: Which non-surgical treatment is the most effective?

Each non-surgical treatment has its own uses and these will change for each patient, lesion or group of lesions. Your doctor will help you find the right treatment for you.

Non-surgical skin cancer treatment

Alternative treatments to surgery are possible for certain types of skin cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.

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Skin Cancer and Pre-Cancer Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatment options can be targeted at a specific lesion or they can treat a field of sun damaged skin including pre-cancerous lesions. Some of these treatments also improve the appearance of sun damage.

We believe in having the best range of options available so skin cancer doesn't always mean surgery, fewer pre-cancers will become cancers and bothersome sun damaged skin can be improved.

Take a look at what we do:

White Light Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Is great for actinic keratoses (scaly "sun spots"), improving the quality and apperance of sun damaged skin. White Light PDT is not the ordinary PDT. It is quick, reliable and painless.

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Cryotherapy ("Cryo")

Is well known for freezing all kinds of troublesome skin lesions. Did you know that, with a longer application, it is also highly effective for treating certain thin skin cancers?

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Chemotherapy Cream

Is most used to treat "fields" of pre-cancerous lesions and reduce skin cancer risk. Did you know that recent changes have reduced the length of treatment whilst improving the benefits?

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More Information About White Light PDT

Photodynamic Therapy is long established as a treatment for pre-cancerous skin legions, actinic keratoses. It also treats sun damaged skin, significantly improving symptoms of discomfort and scale whilst improving appearance. PDT is a one off treatment that is safe and can be repeated as needed in the future.

So, why White Light PDT?

Photodynamic therapy works by applying a cream to the skin then activating it with light using different wavelengths. Traditionally this has been done with red light or daylight. The problems are that Red Light PDT often causes an intense reaction with significant pain. Daylight PDT can be variable in its result and the pain it causes.

White Light PDT on the other hand is reliable in giving excellent results and is usually painless (those who do have discomfort describe it as mild).This is why we have gone out of our way to create a custom made White Light PDT Room - to provide the best possible PDT outcomes in the shortest possible time and with little to no pain.

Book an appointment to discuss options for treating pre-cancerous lesions and sun damaged skin with a doctor.

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FAQ's

Questions about skin cancer treatment at our Sunshine Coast Care Centre

Can I receive non-surgical treatment on the same day?

Cyrotheraphy for small pre-cancerous lesions and troublesome non-cancerous lesions is commonly performed during a standard consultation. PDT and chemotherapy creams often need more planning and you will usually need to return for this. Depending on your circumstances this may mean returning for treatment at the next visit or returning for a visit to discuss your options and plan your care in more detail.

Can I choose which treatment I prefer?

There are often choices between different treatments based on your preferences, for example the duration of treatment, mode of application, outcome desired, or cost. What choices are available will be limited by the type of lesion being treated, the treatments above will not be appropriate for all lesions. Your doctor will advise you on what treatments are available to help you when making a decision. If a lesion is cancerous, the first priority is always to make sure it is adequately treated.

How do chemotherapy creams work?

There are two main prescription creams available for home use on pre-cancerous lesions - including non-invasive Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs) and superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs). With the appropriate care, they are safe to use and are very effective. They act to remove the abnormal cells in these lesions leaving healthy cells behind.

Recently, evidence has shown that using 5FU (Efudix) with a type of Vitamin D cream increases the skin immune response to the Efudix. This results in a shorter treatment period, better skin cancer (SCC) risk reduction, and a better tolerated treatment.

Please be aware of non-prescription creams suggested for treating skin cancers and pre-cancers at home. The results can be highly variable and we often see poor outcomes. Please speak with your doctor for advice.

How does cryotherapy work?

Cyrotheraphy works by freezing the upper layer of the skin to a very low temperature. This kills all the cells that reach this temperature, destroying the lesion and allowing the skin to heal itself with healthy cells (just as it would be if you have a little cut or minor burn). This process is controlled by timing the duration of the freeze and deciding what area to treat around a lesion. Like all of the non-surgical treatments, it is not appropriate for lesions that could be deeper.

Which non-surgical treatment is the most effective?

How to book and prepare for your appointment

Book Online or phone our Care Centre to book your appointment

What to wear? Coming from work? Wearing make-up? Get the most out of your visit and know what to expect. Read our Patient Info page so we can help you prepare.

Once you are booked and prepared, come along to SunLife for your appointment.

We look forward
to seeing you soon.

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SKIN CANCER TREATMENT SUNSHINE COAST

Skin Cancer and Pre-Cancer Treatment Options

White Light Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Cryotherapy ("Cryo")

Chemotherapy Cream

More Information About White Light PDT

FAQ's

How to book and prepare for your appointment

We look forward to seeing you soon.

We look forward
to seeing you soon.