Skin Cancer Medicine
Expert skin checks and minor surgery, close to home.
Dr Lingard is completing a Masters of Medicine in Skin Cancer at the University of Queensland. She brings specialist knowledge and a systematic approach to skin cancer detection and treatment, performed in a familiar general practice environment.
Book a skin checkQueensland records some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Living in north Brisbane, where UV Index readings regularly reach extreme levels from September through April, means cumulative sun exposure adds up across a lifetime, whether or not you burn easily. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common skin cancers in Australia, while melanoma, though less common, carries the greatest risk if not caught early.
Regular skin checks are the most reliable way to detect skin cancer before it spreads. The RACGP recommends annual full-body checks for anyone with known risk factors: fair skin, a history of sunburn, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or significant lifetime outdoor exposure. For patients in The Gap and surrounding suburbs, a GP with dedicated skin cancer training means diagnosis and minor procedures are available without a specialist referral or long wait times.
Dr Lingard combines systematic full-body examination with dermatoscopy (a hand-held microscope that allows detailed examination of lesions invisible to the naked eye) to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary procedures. Where pathology confirms a skin cancer, excision can be performed in-clinic under local anaesthetic. Walton Bridge Medical Centre is conveniently located in The Gap for patients from Keperra, Ashgrove, Ferny Hills, Walkley Heights, and the surrounding north-west Brisbane area.
Services
Full-body skin checks
Systematic head-to-toe examination of the entire skin surface to detect suspicious lesions early, including areas that are difficult to self-examine.
Dermatoscopy
Non-invasive examination of skin lesions using a dermatoscope, a hand-held polarised light microscope that improves diagnostic accuracy for melanoma, BCC, SCC, and other skin cancers.
Skin biopsies
Minor in-clinic procedure to sample a suspicious lesion for pathology analysis, typically performed under local anaesthetic with results returned within one to two weeks.
Excision procedures
Surgical removal of confirmed or suspicious skin cancers performed in-clinic under local anaesthetic, with pathology confirmation of clear margins.
Common questions
How long does a full-body skin check take?
A thorough full-body skin check typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Dr Lingard examines the entire skin surface systematically, including areas that are difficult to self-examine. Book a dedicated skin check appointment through HotDoc.
What is dermatoscopy?
Dermatoscopy involves a hand-held device that uses polarised light to illuminate skin lesions at magnification. It allows the examining doctor to see structures within the skin not visible to the naked eye, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy for melanoma and other skin cancers compared to examination alone.
Do I need a referral for a skin check?
No referral is needed. You can book a skin check directly through HotDoc. A GP-led skin check with dermatoscopy is a Medicare-covered service.
How often should I have my skin checked?
The RACGP recommends annual skin checks for people with risk factors: fair or freckled skin, a history of significant sun exposure, a personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancer, or more than five blistering sunburns. If you are unsure of your personal risk level, Dr Lingard can assess this at your appointment.
What happens if a suspicious lesion is found?
If a lesion looks concerning under dermatoscopy, Dr Lingard may take a biopsy (a small tissue sample sent to pathology for analysis). Results typically return within one to two weeks. If pathology confirms a skin cancer, treatment options include surgical excision under local anaesthetic at the clinic, or referral to a dermatologist or surgeon for more complex cases.
Book a skin check today.
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