Skin Cancer Treatment in Brisbane
Skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma), its size, depth and location, and your overall health. This guide outlines the main treatment options and where to find care in Brisbane. It does not provide personal medical advice.
Common treatment options
- Surgical excision: the lesion and a margin of surrounding skin are removed under local anaesthetic. The standard treatment for most skin cancers.
- Curettage and cautery: the lesion is scraped and the base treated with heat. Used for some superficial non-melanoma cancers.
- Cryotherapy: liquid nitrogen freezes the lesion. Sometimes used for superficial lesions or pre-cancerous spots.
- Mohs micrographic surgery: a tissue-sparing technique used for selected cancers on the face and other complex sites.
- Topical treatments: creams such as imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil for some superficial non-melanoma lesions.
- Radiotherapy: an option where surgery is not preferred or for adjuvant treatment after surgery.
- Systemic therapy: targeted therapy and immunotherapy for advanced melanoma and selected other cancers.
Where treatment happens in Brisbane
- GP-led skin cancer clinics: diagnosis and minor surgery for many non-melanoma cancers.
- Dermatologists: diagnosis and treatment, including complex medical and procedural cases.
- Plastic and reconstructive surgeons: for cosmetically sensitive sites and larger reconstructions.
- Public hospitals (Queensland Health): dermatology, plastic surgery and oncology services on referral.
- Radiation oncology and medical oncology: for radiotherapy and advanced disease management.
After treatment
- Wound review and care instructions
- Histology results and discussion of margins
- Recommended schedule for skin surveillance
- Sun protection advice and risk-reduction strategies
- Referral for further specialist input where indicated
Important
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, the treating doctor is the appropriate source for advice on your specific case. Do not delay treatment based on general information from a website, including this one.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of skin cancer treatment?
Common treatments include surgical excision, curettage and cautery, cryotherapy, topical creams for some superficial lesions, Mohs surgery for selected facial cancers, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies including immunotherapy for advanced melanoma. The right option depends on the type, stage and location of the cancer.
Who delivers skin cancer treatment in Brisbane?
Treatment may be delivered by GPs with skin cancer surgery training, dermatologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, often working in a team. Public services are available through Queensland Health.
Does Medicare cover skin cancer treatment?
Many skin cancer treatments attract a Medicare rebate, especially when medically necessary. Out-of-pocket costs vary widely between providers and settings. Public hospital treatment is generally free for eligible patients.
How urgent is treatment?
Urgency depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Melanoma and aggressive cancers are typically treated soon after diagnosis. Your treating doctor will explain the recommended timeline.
What does follow-up after treatment look like?
Follow-up usually involves wound review, scheduled skin checks (often more frequent than before), and in some cases imaging or specialist review. People with one skin cancer have a higher risk of another, which is why ongoing surveillance matters.
Related guides
Sources
- Cancer Council Australia — Skin cancerlast checked 2026-05-11
- Cancer Council Queensland — Skin cancerlast checked 2026-05-11
- Healthdirect Australia — Skin cancerlast checked 2026-05-11
- Queensland Healthlast checked 2026-05-11