Dr Suntha
MBBS
FRACGP
Diploma of Skin Cancer Medicine
Dr. Suntha earned his MBBS degree in Sri Lanka in 2002. Over the subsequent nine years, he gained extensive experience working in various departments, including General Practice, Orthopedics, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine.
PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY:
Campbelltown, NSW: Dr. Suntha served as a Career Medical Officer (CMO) in the Emergency Department for over three years.
Newman, WA: He then moved to Newman, where he worked as a General Practitioner Visiting Medical Officer (GP VMO) at a GP clinic and the local hospital for a year.
Busselton, WA: Eight years ago, Dr. Suntha relocated to Busselton, where he currently practices as a GP.
SPECIALISATIONS & SERVICES:
Dr. Suntha is an authorised prescriber of medicinal cannabis for appropriate medical conditions.
His practice includes comprehensive skin checks utilising DermEngine technology, along with a range of procedures such as:
Skin cancer removals
Toenail surgeries
Laceration repairs
Removal of lumps
Foreign body removals
Steroid injections for suitable medical conditions
Suntha is dedicated to providing high-quality care and is continually updating his skills to ensure the best outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Suntha consults in English Sinhalese & Tamil.
What to Anticipate at Your Skin Check Appointment
When you visit the Rivervale Skin Cancer Clinic for your skin check, we aim to ensure a thorough assessment of your skin health. Here's what you can expect during your appointment:
Patient Questionnaire:
Upon arrival, you will be asked to complete a patient questionnaire. It's helpful if you bring a list of your current medications and the contact details of your local GP to assist in completing your medical history.
Medical and Family History:
During your consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and inquire about your family history, particularly in relation to previous skin cancers, medications you are taking, your occupation, and any medication allergies you may have.
Medications and Medical Devices:
Your doctor will inquire about any blood-thinning medications (e.g., Aspirin, Warfarin, Plavix) and whether you have a pacemaker. It's essential to inform your doctor about any specific skin spots that concern you.
Full Body Skin Check Explained
Many skin cancers go unnoticed by patients, and a full body skin check can reveal issues that you may not be aware of. Therefore, we recommend a comprehensive skin examination for all patients. Here's what to expect during a full body skin check:
Undressing:
For a thorough examination, you will need to undress to your underwear. We can provide an examination gown or a blanket for your comfort.
Inspection: The doctor will carefully inspect your entire body, looking for abnormal skin spots with unusual shapes or colors. While genital areas and breasts are usually not inspected, if you have concerns about spots in these areas, please inform your doctor.
Scalp Examination:
If you are bald, your scalp will be examined. Even if you have a full head of hair, a thorough scalp examination is recommended. Long hair can obstruct a complete examination, so consider getting a haircut before your skin check.
Makeup Removal:
Patients are typically asked to remove all makeup, including lipstick and foundation, before the examination.
Equipment Used in Skin Checks
Dr Ash utilise various equipment for skin checks to ensure a comprehensive assessment:
Visual Inspection:
Your skin will be examined using good lighting and a magnification device. A dermatoscope, a high-magnification device, may be used for closer examination of specific skin spots.
Photography:
High-magnification digital cameras are used to take pictures of skin lesions for future reference and monitoring. Total body photography may be recommended for patients with numerous moles.
Screen Analysis:
Doctors Ash use high-resolution screens to analyse skin spots, providing additional information about the likelihood of melanoma.
Total Body Mapping: Your doctor may offer total body mapping, especially if it would be useful based on your condition.
What Happens If a Suspicious Spot Is Found?
If a suspicious skin lesion is discovered during your skin check, your doctor may recommend further analysis, which could involve a skin biopsy for examination at a histopathology lab. Sometimes, melanomas develop slowly and are best monitored over time. This may involve taking digital photographs of the lesion for comparison at subsequent appointments.
Treatment and Follow-Up:
If you are diagnosed with a skin cancer, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you, which may be performed in our purpose-built treatment rooms. These procedures may include cryotherapy (freezing), electrosurgery (burning), or shave biopsies, depending on the nature of the lesion.
Follow-Up Recommendations
The follow-up after your skin check will depend on the outcome:
Mildly Atypical Moles:
If you have mildly atypical moles, you may be asked to return in three months for a follow-up examination and comparison photographs.
Abnormal Spots:
For spots that appear highly abnormal, arrangements will be made for removal or biopsy in our treatment room.
Future Skin Checks:
Based on your risk factors, skin type, and any abnormal findings, your doctor will provide recommendations on when to return for regular full body skin checks.