Patient education

Created 2017.

Diseases

• About melanoma
• Videos about melanoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Prevention 

• Self skin examination
• Mole mapping
• Sun protection
• Sun protection alert – SunSmart

Note: sun protection involves in order of importance:

• Behaviour - best to stay indoors or fully shaded during Sun Protection. Alert hours (daylight saving time, varies with latitude and season: published by MetService with weather reports).
• Covering up - broad-brimmed hat, and wear densely - woven fabric with long sleeves, long trousers/skirt.
• Sunscreens - broad-spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 50 + product applied thickly and frequently.

Topical treatment options

• Sunscreens
• Fluorouracil cream
• Imiquimod cream
• Ingenol mebuate 
• Methyl Levulinate photodynamic therapy

Surgical treatment options

• Cyrotherapy
• Punch biopsy
• Shave biopsy
• Curettage and electrocautery
• Excision/excisional biopsy
  • Diagnostic excision
  • Wide local excision
  • Mohs micrographically-controlled excision
• Skin graft
• Skin flap