Basal cell carcinoma can sometimes look like an open sore than won't heal, a red patch of skin, a pink growth, a shiny bump or nodule that sticks out from the skin, or even a blister. Basal cell carcinomas can ooze or bleed, and can become itchy or crusty. 

Conveniently located on the corner of Mooney Street and Tippett Street, Gulliver, Skin Repair Skin Cancer Clinic in Townsville is just 10 minutes from the Townsville CBD. Ample street parking is available right outside the centre. If you arrive by car, entry via Mooney Street is best. If you're taking public transport, there is a bus stop just a few metres up the road!

Comprehensive skin cancer checks are privately billed, which means they are not fully covered by Medicare. However, after you pay the upfront cost of the skin check, you can claim a partial Medicare rebate of approximately $39 or more. 

No, blood tests are not used to screen for skin cancer. The only definitive way to identify a skin malignancy is to have it assessed by a doctor with training in skin cancer medicine, who will examine the lesion with a dermatoscope and perform a biopsy, which is sent to a pathology lab to confirm the diagnosis. Skin cancer cannot be diagnosed with the naked eye.

Skin cancer can grow and spread to other areas of the body in as little as six weeks. Melanoma of the skin can spread to other parts of the body. Typically, melanoma will spread first to the lymph nodes before entering the blood stream and moving to other organs. That's why regular professional skin checks are so important.