Welcome to Northpoint Skin Centre
At Northpoint Skin Centre, we aim to provide the highest possible level of skin detection and skin cancer treatment. We take our time to listen to our patients and to provide individual treatment that suits their needs best.
Expert physician specialists and caring clinical staff provide you with an exceptional skin care experience.
Meet your Skin Care Professionals
DR. BALWIN JASSAL
MBChB (Auck), FRNZCGP, Advanced Cert in Dermatoscopy & Skin Cancer Medicine (SCCA)
Dr. Balwin is a Fellow of The Royal New Zealand College of General practitioners and graduated from the University of Auckland’s School of Medicine in 2009. He has worked as a surgical registrar in various surgical subspecialties with the Auckland & Waitemata District Health Boards, and during this time he developed a keen interest in Skin Cancer Management.
He has completed Advanced post-graduate training in Skin Cancer Management and continues to be involved with ongoing training and education in this field. With a decade of Skin Cancer practice, he is highly trained in the diagnosis of skin cancers with digital dermoscopy.
He has completed >1000 surgical procedures including advanced techniques such as skin flaps and grafts. He is accredited by the Skin Cancer College of Australasia and is a full member of the New Zealand Skin Cancer Doctor Society. He also performs skin cancer surgery for Waitemata District Health Board.
About
Skin Cancers
Melanoma
New Zealand has some of the highest skin cancer rates and skin cancer-related deaths in the world. The burden of this disease is at epidemic levels without any signs of slowing down.
Broadly, there are two main groups of skin cancers – Melanoma Skin Cancer and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer.
Melanoma:
> NZ has the Highest incidence rate of this in the world
> Melanoma is the third most common cancer in men and women in New Zealand
> More than 350 New Zealanders will die from Melanoma every year
> Early detection and treatment is KEY
> Melanoma spotted early can be successfully treated by surgery and if melanoma is discovered when it is less than 1mm thick, the outcome is excellent.
Prevention
Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of human cancers. Melanoma is one of the most common types of cancer and it can affect anyone. When spotted early, melanoma has a cure rate of 85%.
Skin checks by a qualified doctor are the most efficient way of detecting skin cancer. People often come to get a single mole checked, but a full skin check can reveal other skin cancers they weren’t aware of.
Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at particularly high risk for developing skin cancer. However, you should definitely consider booking an appointment if you are:
> Someone who has a family or a personal history of skin cancer
> Over 50 years of age
> Someone who spends a lot of time outside for work or play.
What type of skin check to choose?
We offer in-house skin cancer checks and minor surgeries from experienced and accredited Skin Cancer doctor to give you better peace of mind about your skin. Depending on your concerns, we provide the following services.
Spot Checks
Got just a few lesions to check? Early detection is key in the diagnosis of skin cancer. We can see you to check a few spots of concern (max 4-5 lesions). Please speak to our friendly team to book your appointment.
Full Skin Check
This is a full “Head to toe” Skin check. Early detection saves lives. If you are at high risk or have had a history of skin cancers, it is recommended that you have an annual skin check. Please speak to our friendly team to book your appointment.
Minor Surgeries
Book a skin consult today with our Skin Doctor for further advice on how we can assist you with any lesion removals. Most skin cancers can be removed via Minor Skin Surgery using a local anesthetic. Book your appointment today.
Treatments
Depending on your specific condition, our Skin Cancer doctor may recommend which option would be the best for you.
Surgical
Detected early, most skin cancers are completely curable by surgical removal. At Northpoint Medical & Skin Centre, we use a special preparation that greatly reduces the sting of injecting the local anesthetic, thereby making the procedure much more comfortable. While the vast majority of skin cancers, fortunately, can be removed with a simple excision, some require more elaborate techniques.
Dr. Balwin Jassal is highly experienced at operating on difficult areas of the body such as lower legs, digits, noses, and ears, and regularly performs complex procedures such as flaps and grafts.
Cryotherapy/Liquid Nitrogen
This is a quick and easy treatment for “sun-spots” or benign noncancerous warty type lesions.
Non- Surgical Topical Creams
Topical Fluorouracil (Efudix)
This cream is effective at treating severe sun damage (actinic/solar keratosis), precancerous lesions and simple superficial skin cancers. Once applied, the cream is absorbed by abnormal precancerous cells. This acts as a chemotherapy agent causing the abnormal cells to be destroyed. Fluorouracil has little or no effect on healthy normal skin. This destruction of abnormal skin causes redness, inflammation and sometimes discomfort. The treatment course usually lasts for 4-8 weeks.
Follow this link for more detailed information on “How to use Fluorouracil (Efudix)”.
Topical Imiquimod
Is used to treat superficial basal cell skin cancers and sun damaged skin (actinic/solar keratosis). Before using, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Imiquimod is an immune response modifier, and works by stimulating the immune system to identify and destroy the abnormal cells. This destruction of abnormal skin causes redness, inflammation and sometimes discomfort. The treatment course usually lasts for 4-8 weeks.
Follow this link for more detailed information on “How to use Imiquimod”.
Surtron®
This radiofrequency–electro surgical technique can be used to remove benign moles or tissue with minimal scarring. The technique involves shaving the lesion with minimal bleeding and without sutures. Distressing benign moles, skin tags, and nodules are effectively removed with this technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions? We have answers. Below you will find answers to the most common questions when it comes to Skin Cancer. To read more please click on the +.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancers are tumour growths of abnormal skin. The exact cause is unknown. However, damage by significant exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main contributing factor.
What are the types of Skin Cancer?
There are several different subtypes but are broadly split into two main Categories: (i) Melanoma Skin Cancer and (ii) Non-melanoma Skin cancer (NMSC).
What are Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers (NMSC)?
This refers to ALL Subtypes of skin cancers apart from Melanoma.
The two most common are Basal Cell Skin Cancer (BCC) and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer (SCC). Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, is the primary cause of both SCC and BCC in most New Zealanders.
Basal Cell Skin Cancer (BCC)
By far the most common skin cancer. It also happens to be the most common cancer. Fortunately, BCC’s are usually the least dangerous skin cancer if treated and often curable with early treatment.
Squamous Skin Cancer (SCC)
This is an intermediate skin cancer. Often curable if treated early. However, if left untreated or neglected, this skin cancer may sometimes spread and may prove fatal.
What are Melanomas?
This dangerous type of skin cancer originates from cells called Melanocytes (cells responsible for colour in our skin). Increased lifetime exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), including sunlight and tanning beds, is a significant risk factor for melanoma. Some rarer melanomas may occur on areas of skin or body that have never been exposed to the sun.
Early detection and Treatment is KEY. Melanoma spotted early can be successfully treated by surgery and if a melanoma is discovered when it is less than 1mm thick, the outcome is excellent.
How do I know if I have melanoma?
Any suspicious, changing, or new mole or freckle anywhere on your skin should be evaluated by your Skin Cancer Doctor.
However, because melanomas can be found on poorly visible areas, you should do a monthly self-skin examination.
An easy way to remember the signs of melanoma is by the ABCDEFG system, a simple memory-aid on how to check pigmented lesions:
A ‐ Asymmetry. One half is different from the other half
B ‐ Border irregularity. Irregular borders that are not smooth and regular
C ‐ Color variation. The lack of uniform and even color (ie Shades of brown, tan and black are present – there may also be white, grey, red, pink or blue)
D ‐ Different. Looks different from other spots, freckles or moles (“ugly duckling”)
E ‐ Evolving. Any change (including size, shape, color) in an existing mole or skin lesion or pain
F ‐ Firm. Firm to touch
G ‐ Growing. Larger than 6mm and keep growing
What to expect during the Skin Check?
We are dedicated to ensuring you have a GOOD Skin check. Some pre-arrival prep may be handy. Loose-fitted clothing may be appropriate; you will likely be requested to undress down to your underwear (ladies keep bras on) and have all of your skin checked except private areas unless you request this.
Please avoid wearing make-up and body lotions; as this can significantly interfere with skin examination. As we also examine your nails, it is important to remove and nail lacquer/gloss.