Dr Nelson Sucgang from Foxwell Medical discusses Melanoma

By: Dr Nelson Sucgang

Dr Nelson Sucgang from Foxwell Medical discusses Melanoma

Dr Nelson Sucgang is an acclaimed Skin Cancer Doctor and a Cosmetic Physician at Foxwell Medical.

The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.

Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world and melanoma is often referred to as 'Australia's national cancer'.

At a glance

Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australian men and women, it follows after prostate and bowel cancer in men, and after breast and bowel cancer for women.

 

Melanoma represents 2% of all skin cancers, but causes 75% of skin cancer deaths.

 

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• basal cell carcinoma
• squamous cell carcinoma
• melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer

Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancer.

 

Doctors use a number of tools and examination techniques to examine skin thoroughly beyond what the naked eye can see. It takes a trained and experienced eye to detect skin cancers at a very early stage. And melanomas that are detected and treated early are cured in 90% of cases. So, in addition to self-checking regularly you should have a professional skin check once a year.

Become familiar with the look of your skin, so you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look for:

• any crusty, non-healing sores
• small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
• new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months.Most General Practitioners will perform a spot / skin check for you. However, it is important that your doctor is also experienced and trained in dealing with Skin Cancers. An experienced Skin Cancer Doctor may work in a Skin Clinic or a General Practice which specialises in surgical skin procedures. The quality of his work and experience will have a direct impact on how much scarring you are left with. Some doctors are not able to work on faces, so check that your doctor can remove your skin cancers from your entire body.Dr. Sucgang is available for full skin checks and follow up procedures at Foxwell Medical & Cosmetics on both Fridays and Saturdays. He holds skin related qualifications such as Diplomate status with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and membership with the American College of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Physicians. He is also an ACCREDITED SKIN CANCER DOCTOR with the Skin Cancer College of Australasia. He works in both Sydney and the Gold Coast.