WELCOME TO MOUNT GAMBIER SKIN CANCER CLINIC
Your Health Comes First
OUR TEAM
DR. RICHARD TRY
General Practioner BSc, MBChB, FRACGP
Dr Richard Try, our Clinical Director has been a GP for 20 years. He is our visiting GP specializing in Skin Care Medicine . Originally from Birmingham, UK, he trained at University of Leicester Medical School (UK), graduating in 1997. He practiced medicine on the South Coast of England before moving to Australia with his family in 2008.
After working in other clinics in the area, he set up Dr Try Medical Clinic in 2016 to provide a friendly, welcoming approach to family medicine.
Dr Try developed a special interest in the field of Skin Cancer Medicine and obtained several post-graduate qualifications:
Professional Diploma in Skin Cancer Medicine,
Advanced Certificate in Skin Cancer Surgery,
Professional Certificate in Dermatoscopy and Histopathology,
Professional Diploma in Dermatology.
DR. ROWAN KRUYSSE
General Practioner MBBS, FRACGP
Dr.Rowan Kruysse was always interested in working in the area of skin cancer, seeing family members affected by it and hearing stories of young adults and friends of friends being affected.
He spent some time with a dermatologist in Niagara Falls, Canada during summer break from 3rd year of medical school to get an idea about the field.
Dr.Rowan took the opportunity to do a few skin biopsies on the wards working as a junior doctor on the wards to speed up the process of having dermatology reviews as well.
Since then, his goal has always been to get into the field, and working here has given him the opportunity to do so sooner than he might be able to in other parts of Australia, with the kind second opinion as needed from a highly experienced and skilled GP-specialist.
Dr.Rowan is currently completing further advanced training within the area of dermoscopy with plans to attain further credentials in skin cancer as face to face practical courses begin again after the COVID virus pandemic.
SKIN PROTECTION
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
basal cell carcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older.
The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DIAGNOSIS
It is important to check your skin regularly and check with your doctor if you notice any changes.
In the majority of cases, your GP will examine you, paying attention to any spots that may look suspicious. Your GP may perform a biopsy (remove a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope). In some cases your GP may refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, if necessary.
TREATMENT
Treatment for skin cancer
Skin cancers are almost always removed. In more advanced skin cancers, some of the surrounding tissue may also be removed to make sure that all of the cancerous cells have been taken out.
The most common treatment for skin cancer is surgery to remove the cancer (usually under a local anaesthetic). Common skin cancers can be treated with ointments or radiotherapy. Skin cancer can also be removed with cryotherapy (using liquid nitrogen to rapidly freeze the cancer off), curettage (scraping) or cautery (burning).
SKIN CANCER SYMPTOMS
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.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.
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.
PREVENTING SKIN CANCER
Protect your skin
For best protection, when the UV level is 3 or above, we recommend a combination of sun protection measures:
Slip on some sun-protective clothing - that covers as much skin as possible
Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
Slap on a hat - that protects your face, head, neck and ears
Seek shade
Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian standards.
Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense.
MINOR SURGERY
Confirm a cancer diagnosis. The doctor may remove all or part of a tumour in a procedure called a biopsy.
Investigate the size of the tumour and if the cancer has spread. This process is called staging and is often used to guide treatment decisions.
