Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic
Skin Cancer Medicine & Specialist Dermatology
Skin Cancer Medicine & Specialist Dermatology
A team of Skin Cancer Doctors and Specialists, built for Cairns. From first-check to final follow up, we offer complete skin cancer care under one roof.
Find out more about the story of Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic.
A team of Skin Cancer Doctors and Specialists, built for Cairns. From first-check to final follow up, we offer complete skin cancer care under one roof.
Find out more about the story of Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic.
In 2018, a family member of Dr Garnett’s tragically died from melanoma at just 24 years of age. She lived in Queensland, a region with some of the highest UV exposure levels in the world, and had fair skin. Despite the melanoma being detected early, it had already spread. While volunteering overseas, she was unable to access adequate follow-up care.
That loss changed everything for Dr Russell Garnett. After working as a rural generalist across remote Australia, he made a deliberate decision: move to Cairns, and build the kind of clinic that could have made a difference for Emma.
Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic opened with one purpose — to give the Cairns community access to complete, expert skin cancer care without the referral delays and service gaps that cost lives.
In 2018, a family member of Dr Garnett’s tragically died from melanoma at just 24 years of age. She lived in Queensland, a region with some of the highest UV exposure levels in the world, and had fair skin. Despite the melanoma being detected early, it had already spread. While volunteering overseas, she was unable to access adequate follow-up care.
That loss changed everything for Dr Russell Garnett. After working as a rural generalist across remote Australia, he made a deliberate decision: move to Cairns, and build the kind of clinic that could have made a difference for Emma.
Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic opened with one purpose — to give the Cairns community access to complete, expert skin cancer care without the referral delays and service gaps that cost lives.
Dr Russell Garnett qualified with The Diploma in Dermatology from the Australian Institute of Dermatology in 2012.
He completed a year-long skin cancer medicine apprenticeship in June 2021 under internationally acclaimed dermatologist, Dr Ilsphi Browne at Cairns Hospital Dermatology Department.
His time enjoying one-to-one training in advanced dermatological skin cancer medicine approaches has given him an additional range of advanced methodologies seldom used by general practitioners in skin care. These are aimed at maintaining the form and function of an affected area without compromising on patient safety and cancer elimination success.
He has extensive advanced specialist skin cancer surgical experience and has assisted Plastic and reconstructive surgeons for over ten years.
He has been certified with the Skin Cancer College of Australia in the most up-to-date Dermoscopy and photo-surveillance techniques.
Dr Chris is an experienced skin cancer doctor who is passionate about working with his patients to achieve the best outcomes possible. He strives to conduct meticulous skin checks to find every skin cancer no matter how small.
He has trained under Dr Azzi and Dr Lilleyman in Newcastle, two extremely experienced Fellows of the Skin Cancer College with a combined 40+ years of experience, learning and using a vast range of surgical techniques under their guidance to cure skin cancer while retaining the function and form of the skin.
In 2024 he decided to move to Cairns to gain further experience, working in one of the areas of the world with the highest skin cancer burden. Dr Chris has also worked in the private hospital setting in the field of skin cancer, performing more complex and advanced surgeries than is possible under just local anaesthetic.
Dr Chris is also undertaking a Masters in Skin Cancer Medicine through the University of Queensland, keeping up to date with the rapidly changing field of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. To share his experience and expertise Dr Chris has lectured and run practical workshops with GPSynergy and HealthCert – training GPs and GP registrars.
Dr Agnieszka (Niesh) Adams is a Specialist Dermatologist and a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dermatologists (RACD). She has a passion for the full spectrum of skin health, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, and skin cancer, she provides patient-centred care grounded by evidence-based dermatology and a clear, practical approach to treatment.
Dr Adams completed her medical degree in Australia, at Griffith University, before completing her Physician Specialist Examinations. She then undertook further postgraduate training to achieve Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), reflecting a strong commitment to comprehensive, patient-centred medical care.
In addition to her clinical qualifications, she has completed a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Skin Cancer Research. She was also recognised for her skin cancer contributions to dermatopathology with the Brenan Research Prize.
As a clinician, Dr Adams is committed to helping patients manage chronic skin conditions effectively, while also prioritising early detection and prevention for skin cancer. She values long-term partnerships with her patients supporting them with education, symptom control, and personalised management plans.
Mandy graduated with distinction from James Cook University and has continued her professional development through further studies in advanced wound care, wound closure, and dermoscopy. Born and raised in Cairns, she is passionate about educating patients on sun safety and providing compassionate, evidence-based care throughout their treatment journey.
Samone is the friendly face behind the Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic, ensuring everything runs smoothly so patients feel welcomed, supported and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. With a Diploma of Beauty Therapy and many years of experience working in both general practice and specialist medical centres, she takes pride in supporting both the clinical team and the day-to-day operations of the clinic, helping ensure each visit is as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Every examination is a full-body assessment using dermoscopy — a specialist imaging technique that identifies lesions invisible to the naked eye. We don’t rush checks. A thorough examination is the foundation of everything else.
Where further investigation is needed, we can arrange biopsies and additional imaging without sending you elsewhere. Results are reviewed and explained by the same doctor who examined you — no handoffs, no confusion.
From minor excisions to more complex surgical procedures, Ellipse has the capability to treat — not just detect. For most patients, the entire journey from diagnosis to treatment happens here.
Every member of the Ellipse team lives and works in Cairns. We share the same lifestyle, the same sun, and the same community as our patients.
That matters. Because when you understand what this lifestyle actually looks like — the fishing, the hiking, the weekends on the water — you understand why skin cancer prevention isn’t just a medical conversation but a community one as well.
The amount of days Cairns experiences UV radiation exceeding the safety threshold.
The most common cancer suffered by 15-39 year olds in Queensland is skin cancer.
In extreme UV conditions it only takes ten minutes to begin to burn.
In Far North Queensland, skin cancer is one of the most preventable diseases — if caught early. A 20-minute check could make all the difference.