Skin Cancer

A specialist procedural GP with a Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer (University of Queensland) and a background in surgery, Dr Yee has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and managing skin cancer, using the latest AI-assisted tools for total body photography and dermoscopy.

You do not need a referral for an appointment.

Diagnostic ability that makes all the difference

How does a skin check work?

  • Attend a consultation with Dr Yee to discuss any concerns about your skin and review your general health and skin cancer risk factors.
  • Dr Yee will ask you to change into a hospital style gown and examine your skin and hair using magnified vision and a skin surface microscope (dermatoscope).  A chaperone is available upon request.
  • If necessary, Dr Yee can complete total body photography and/or photograph any suspicious skin lesions that require your attention.
  • Following immediate review of your photos and within the same appointment, Dr Yee will discuss management options.
  • Minor surgery to biopsy or remove suspicious or unsightly moles in the clinic’s separate purpose-built procedure room can be done on a different day if required.  Alternatively, some surgeries are eligible to be done at an accredited day surgery facility where you can utilise your private health fund, lowering your total out-of-pocket costs for surgery.

Skin cancer expertise

With his extensive training and modern methods, Dr Yee is ideally placed to assist you in preventing, diagnosing and treating skin cancer

Advanced training

Dr Yee has completed in-depth training in identifying skin cancers, making this a primary focus of his medical career.  He has completed a Master of Medicine through the University of Queensland and has peer-reviewed published research in skin cancer.

Intelligent tools

Dr Yee uses DermEngine, an intelligent, secure skin cancer and dermatology platform that keeps a record of all your photos.  Powerful AI tools can assist with the analyses of your concerning skin lesions.

Surgical experience

Dr Yee also has had several years of surgical training and practice, including the removal of skin cancer. He currently and regularly operates with other local specialist oncology, general, spinal and neurosurgeons, allowing him to incorporate techniques from other surgical subspecialities into his skin cancer practice, optimising patient outcomes.

What is skin cancer?

Sun-drenched Australia has one the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. It develops when skin cells are damaged, most commonly by too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  • Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type. It tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads
  • Squamous cell carcinoma may invade deeper tissues and spread if untreated
  • Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, known for its ability to spread to other parts of your body. Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world.

The benefits of regular skin checks

As with many conditions, early diagnosis enables a wider number of treatment choices and helps to improve clinical outcomes.

About 95% of skin cancers are treatable if found early enough. Regular, thorough skin cancer checks help to identify any new or changing moles so that we can act swiftly to protect your health.

The benefits of regular skin checks

As with many conditions, early diagnosis enables a wider number of treatment choices and helps to improve clinical outcomes.

About 95% of skin cancers are treatable if found early enough. Regular, thorough skin cancer checks help to identify any new or changing moles so that we can act swiftly to protect your health.

Skin cancer expertise

When should you be concerned about a mole?

The Cancer Council encourages you to:

Dr Yee strongly emphasises patient education, taking photos and sharing scans so that you can learn more about your health.
Skin cancer expertise

When should you be concerned about a mole?

The Cancer Council encourages you to:

Dr Yee strongly emphasises patient education, taking photos and sharing scans so that you can learn more about your health.

Skin cancer services

Dr Yee offers a full range of skin cancer services from preventive checks to surgical removal, meaning you benefit from continuity of care under the same doctor.

Skin cancer checks
Skin cancer checks

Preventive checks of your entire body or spot checks of worrying moles or skin lesions that may incorporate total body photography.

Skin cancer surgery
Skin cancer surgery

Dr Yee conducts minor surgical procedures to remove skin cancers in the clinic’s dedicated procedural room or at Archer Street Day Hospital (Levant Cosmetic Surgery) in North Adelaide for eligible procedures under the patient’s health fund.

Lipoma removal
Lipoma removal

Lipomas are non-cancerous fatty lumps under your skin. If they become bothersome or unsightly, Dr Yee can perform a minor surgical procedure to remove them.   

Cyst removal
Cyst removal

Removal of fluid-filled lumps under your skin that have previously been infected or are irritating.

Skin cancer checks
Skin cancer checks

Preventive checks of your entire body or spot checks of worrying moles or skin lesions that may incorporate total body photography.

Skin cancer surgery
Skin cancer surgery

Dr Yee conducts minor surgical procedures to remove skin cancers in the clinic’s dedicated procedural room or at Archer Street Day Hospital (Levant Cosmetic Surgery) in North Adelaide for eligible procedures under the patient’s health fund.

Lipoma removal
Lipoma removal

Lipomas are non-cancerous fatty lumps under your skin. If they become bothersome or unsightly, Dr Yee can perform a minor surgical procedure to remove them.   

Cyst removal
Cyst removal

Removal of fluid-filled lumps under your skin that have previously been infected or are irritating.

Epidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cysts are also known as “sebaceous cysts”, epidermal cysts or epidermal inclusion cysts.  They are common, benign (non-cancerous) nodular skin lesions ranging from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter.  They are usually asymptomatic but can be cosmetically displeasing and functionally annoying.

They occur when the layer of skin cells around a hair follicle becomes implanted in the deeper layer of skin (dermis) following either trauma or a clogged skin pore (comedo). These skin cells that should normally shed get trapped in and begin to multiply, forming a sac filled with keratin, a soft, yellowish, cheese-like material.

Occasionally, epidermoid cysts can become infected, causing pain and irritation.

Treatment Options

Epidermal cysts can be safely left alone, but if they are functionally annoying or cosmetically displeasing, procedural options could include:

  • Incision and drainage.  It is a simple procedure to decompress the cyst and drain its contents.  However, the recurrence rate is higher when compared to surgical excision.
  • Surgical excision is the most reliable removal method, reducing the risk of recurrence.  The goal is to remove all contents, including the sac, entirely.  It is best done when there is no surrounding inflammation or infection, and can be done at the clinic’s dedicated procedural rooms under local anaesthetic.   Depending on the location of the cyst, vigorous exercise may need to be reduced for a couple of weeks following removal. Still, normal daily function can usually be resumed immediately after surgical removal.
Dr Yee A value-driven career
Exceptional care

Lipomas

Lipomas are the most common benign (non-cancerous) soft tissue tumours.  They are usually soft, painless skin lumps in the fatty layer of your skin that can be cosmetically displeasing.  They consist of mature fat cells and are enclosed in a fibrous capsule.  Frequently, patients may have more than one lipoma.

A cancerous variant (liposarcoma) is rare, but it can be suspected if the lesion grows rapidly, becomes painful, or restricts movement.

Treatment Options

Lipomas can be left alone, but if they are functionally annoying or cosmetically displeasing, procedural options could include:

  • Surgical removal.  It can be done under local anaesthetic at the clinic’s dedicated procedural rooms or, if large, at an accredited day surgery facility.  The goal is to reinstate the normal body contour.  Vigorous exercise may need to be restricted for a couple of weeks following removal, but modified activities of daily living can be resumed immediately following removal.
  • Liposuction is a minimally invasive technique that can be considered for large lipomas under sedation at an accredited day surgery facility.

FAQs about skin cancer checks

Anyone, especially in a sun-soaked place like Australia.

You’re at higher risk of developing skin cancer if you:

  • have a personal or family history of skin cancer
  • have fair skin, fair (or red) hair and light-coloured eyes
  • aren’t careful about sun protection, e.g. have previously had bad sunburn or spent a lot of time outside without sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses or sun-protective clothing
  • have many moles on your skin
  • are exposed to the sun regularly – perhaps you work outdoors or enjoy outdoor activities
  • use tanning beds
  • have a compromised immune system or take immunosuppressant drugs.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Two in every 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lifetime.

If it’s found early, skin cancer can often be successfully treated. So, yes, you should get checked for skin cancer.

This will depend on your risk.  If you are at high risk for skin cancer, it is recommended to have your skin checked at least annually.

Melanoma risk calculators are available for you to consider. Risk Calculator

Look for a doctor with a high degree of training and expertise in skin cancer. Dr Yee has a:

  • Masters of Medicine in Skin Cancer (University of Queensland)
  • Background in surgery and general practice
  • Clinical practice focused on skin cancer, giving him extensive experience in assessing, diagnosing and managing skin cancer
  • Focus on educating and supporting his patients to help reduce skin cancer risk.
  • Evidenced-based approach with published research in skin cancer

Keep an eye out for moles and lesions that are:

  • New
  • Getting bigger
  • Changing colour
  • Developing irregular edges or raised bumps
  • Itching, tingling, bleeding or weeping
  • Becoming rough, scaly or ulcerated
  • Look different from others or concern you in some way – it’s always better to get it checked.

Mainly by reducing your exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun (or tanning beds). Try to lead a sunsmart lifestyle that includes:

  • Wearing
    • broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably SPF50+
    • sunglasses
    • a broad-brimmed hat
  • Seeking shade or staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day
  • Covering up with clothes or a sun-safe swim rashie.

Yes. While people with fair skin are more likely to get skin cancer, people with darker skin can certainly develop it too. Jamaican reggae singer, Bob Marley, died from a toenail melanoma at the young age of 36.

Unfortunately, skin cancer is often diagnosed later and may be more aggressive in people with darker skin, which can make it harder to treat successfully.

If you have darker skin, it’s important to pay close attention to areas of your body that don’t necessarily receive much sun exposure, such as the soles of your feet, nails, hairline, groin or behind your ears.

Dr Yee strives to provide a quality, patient-focused, and sustainable service.  Skin checks are not bulk billed, but you will receive a Medicare rebate for all appointments and procedures.  New spot check fees will vary whether you are a concession card or health care card holder or not.  They start from $115.00 (Medicare Rebate $82.90).  Complete skin checks start from $175.00 (Medicare Rebate $82.90).  There are no additional fees for photography including total body photography.  Follow up appointments are charged at a reduced cost.

Dr Yee will give you a local anaesthetic before removing your lipoma or cyst. You may experience some discomfort or tenderness in the days following your surgery but this can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers if necessary.