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The Skin
Cancer Centre at CAREfirst
We are Taranaki's only dedicated Skin Cancer Unit.
Specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of skin
cancer. We are helping to fill the gap between the over-burdened public health system
and private specialist care for skin cancer. We provide a cost effective alternative to waiting lists.
Benefits
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On
site Skin Cancer assessment, diagnosis and treatment without long
waiting lists.
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A
high Quality, low cost alternative to private specialist treatment
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A
General Practice based service focusing on your needs in a user
friendly environment
Service
Features
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Regular
Skin Cancer clinics to meet demand
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Education
for you about Skin Cancer prevention
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Treatment
provided on site for most Skin Cancers
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Referral
on to public or private specialists where appropriate or requested
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Explanations
given prior to all procedures so that you know what you are having
done and why
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Electronic
recall systems in place to ensure that all abnormal histology
(laboratory) results are followed up
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Now
with the latest computerised dermoscopy screening
Appointments:
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Regular
clinics held every week. Please contact us on the number below for an
appointment.
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Many health
insurance policies cover GP surgery without the need for
pre-approval.
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If you have
skin cancer covered by your War Pension then, with their
pre-approval, WINZ will pay for your surgery
Clinics are run
by
Dr Geoff Tvrdeich
who is a General
Practitioner with a special interest and training in Skin Cancer
Surgery. He participates in ongoing training in this field. His service
is augmented and supported by:
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Dr Paul
Salmon, Dermatologist, who is based in Tauranga. Difficult skin
cancers on the face may be best treated with MOH's Micrographic
Surgery and Dr Tvrdeich may refer you to Dr Salmon for this advanced
technical procedure.
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Mr Martin
Rees, Visiting Plastic Surgeon. Mr Rees consults on a regular basis
at Carefirst where he can also perform a wide variety of skin cancer
operations. Dr Tvrdeich may recomend you see him for the treatment
of difficult skin cancers.
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Separate
fees apply when seeing these or other specialists.
About
Skin Cancer
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Most
skin cancers are caused either directly or indirectly by sunlight
exposure
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Ultraviolet
light is the harmful part of sunlight and it can burn you through
cloud
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Any
new or changing mole could be your first introduction to skin cancer
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Melanoma
is more common in people with lots of moles, large moles or unusual
looking moles
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If
you have already had a melanoma then you are at an increased risk of
getting other melanomas in your lifetime and you should have regular
skin checks
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Non
melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common forms of cancers in
people
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NMSC
are mostly either Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma
and they may appear as a small lump, an ulcer, or look like a mole,
scar, or patch of dermatitis (exzema)
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NMSC
may also appear as an area of skin that bleeds easily or as a
rapidly growing lump on the skin
Melanoma
Checklist
The
Melanoma Checklist can be used by you to notice changes of of an early
melanoma. The 3 most important changes to look for in a mole are a
change in size, shape or colour
Other
features which may occur are inflammation, ooze, crusting and bleeding.
It may feel different to you. Melanoma is more likely if a mole has a
diameter of 7mm or more but can be much smaller. It is important to know that up to 50% of
melanomas start as a new mole.
MAJOR
FEATURES:
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Change
in size
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Change
in shape
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Change
in colour
MINOR
FEATURES:
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