Frequently asked questions.

No referral is needed. You can book directly with our clinic through our online booking system or by calling (02) 4288 2524. We welcome both new and returning patients.

The Cancer Council recommends that adults in Australia have a professional skin check at least once a year. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, fair skin, many moles, or a history of sunburn, you may benefit from more frequent checks — every 6 months.

If you notice a new mole, a mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour, or a sore that won't heal, book an appointment as soon as possible. Avoid trying to diagnose it yourself — a professional assessment with dermoscopy is the most reliable way to evaluate a suspicious spot.

During a full body skin check, Dr Ranjini will systematically examine your entire skin surface using a dermatoscope — a specialised magnifying instrument with polarised light. The examination takes approximately 30–45 minutes. You'll be asked to undress to your underwear, and a gown is provided for comfort. Every mole, freckle, and lesion is assessed for signs of skin cancer.

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses a specialised magnifying lens (dermatoscope) with polarised light to examine skin lesions in detail. It allows the doctor to see structures beneath the skin surface that are invisible to the naked eye, significantly improving the accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common and least aggressive — it rarely spreads but can cause local tissue damage. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common and can metastasise if left untreated. Melanoma is the most dangerous type, with the potential to spread to other organs, but has an excellent prognosis when caught early (over 95% survival for Stage I).

Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the skin cancer. The most common approach is surgical excision — removing the cancer with a margin of healthy tissue. Other options include cryotherapy (freezing) for superficial lesions, and referral for radiation therapy or specialist care for complex cases. Dr Ranjini will discuss all options with you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Most excision procedures take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic in our clinic — you'll be awake but won't feel pain. More complex cases involving flap repair may take 60–90 minutes.

After excision, the tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory to confirm clear margins. You'll have a follow-up appointment to check healing, remove sutures, and discuss the pathology results. Dr Ranjini will recommend a personalised surveillance schedule based on your risk profile — typically every 6 to 12 months.

We offer both bulk-billed and privately billed consultations depending on the type of visit and your eligibility. Skin cancer excisions performed in our clinic are typically covered by Medicare with a gap fee. Please contact our reception team for specific pricing and Medicare rebate information.

Yes, most skin cancer diagnostic and treatment procedures are eligible for Medicare rebates. This includes biopsies, excisions, and follow-up consultations. The extent of coverage depends on the specific procedure and item numbers. We'll provide you with a clear cost estimate before any treatment.

The most effective preventive measures include: using SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade during peak UV hours (10am–2pm), avoiding solariums, and performing regular self-examinations. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV radiation reaches the ground.

The ABCDE rule is a simple guide for self-examination: Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other), Border (irregular or blurred edges), Colour (multiple shades of brown, black, red, or blue), Diameter (larger than 6mm, roughly the size of a pencil eraser), and Evolution (any change in size, shape, or colour over time). If a mole meets any of these criteria, have it checked by a doctor.

Yes. While skin cancer is more common in older adults, melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australians aged 15–39. Cumulative sun exposure and sunburn during childhood and adolescence significantly increase lifetime risk. Regular skin checks are important regardless of age.