skin cancer & Dermoscopy

— THE TECHNOLOGY

What Is a Dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy uses polarised light and magnification to examine the deeper layers of skin - structures invisible to the naked eye. In trained hands, it significantly improves diagnostic accuracy, helping catch early-stage melanomas that would otherwise go undetected.

Dr Ahmed holds a Professional Certificate of Dermoscopy and uses it in every skin cancer consultation. No referral needed - available at all three clinics.

  • Systematic examination of all skin surfaces, flagging any lesions for closer review.

  • Polarised imaging reveals subsurface structures invisible to the naked eye.

  • Monitor, biopsy, or excise explained clearly before you leave.

  • Where needed, excision is often performed the same day under local anaesthetic.

The Three Main Skin Cancers

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma

    MOST COMMON · SLOW GROWING · RARELY SPREADS

    Grows slowly and rarely spreads, but causes local damage if untreated. Often looks like a pearly bump or flat scar-like patch - not what most people expect skin cancer to look like.

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    SECOND MOST COMMON · CAN SPREAD · TREAT PROMPTLY

    Arises on sun-damaged skin and carries a higher risk of spreading than BCC. Often appears as a firm red nodule or a scaly, crusted lesion that won't heal.

  • Melanoma

    MOST DANGEROUS · CAN BE AGGRESSIVE · EARLY DETECTION CRITICAL

    Less common but far more serious. Can spread rapidly if not caught early. When detected at stage one, survival rates exceed 95% — which is why regular checks matter.

— WHAT I OFFER

Skin Cancer Services

  • Systematic head-to-toe examination with dermoscopic imaging of any suspicious lesions.

  • Targeted polarised imaging for lesions that need a closer look - no referral needed.

  • Certified in-clinic surgical removal of BCCs, SCCs, and melanomas including face and scalp.

  • Punch or excisional biopsy sent to pathology for definitive diagnosis.

  • Liquid nitrogen treatment for actinic keratoses and pre-cancerous skin lesions.

  • Structured monitoring every 6–12 months for patients with elevated skin cancer risk.

— THE TECHNOLOGY

Who Should Get Checked?

In Australia, the question isn't whether you're at risk; it's how high. If any of these apply to you, don't put it off.

How Often Should You Get Checked?

  • Most adults: Once a year as a baseline.

  • Elevated risk:Every 6–12 months depending on your history.

  • Prior melanoma: Every 3–6 months with dermoscopic monitoring.

  • New or changing lesion:Don't wait - book a targeted consultation promptly.