Melanoma Clinic

What we do

The Melanoma Clinic is conducted by the Victorian Melanoma Service and diagnoses, treats and provides follow-up care for people with melanoma.

Our clinic is patient-centred, ensuring patients are fully informed through the process and encouraged to make decisions about their own medical care.

What to expect

Before you arrive

When you come for your appointment at the Melanoma Clinic, it is a good idea to arrive at the registration desk just prior to your appointment time. The registration desk is on the Ground Floor, Alfred Lane House. You should allow 3-5 hours for your clinic visit.

While you are here

Your visit may begin with meeting our clinic Nurse Consultant. You will be told what to expect during your visit and asked questions relating to your melanoma and relevant background. You will be invited to participate in research trials if appropriate, but you are under no obligation to be involved in research.

You will then be seen by a doctor who will ask for further details about your melanoma, previous skin cancers, family history of skin cancer and your general health. Your skin will be examined thoroughly and your lymph nodes checked. There will be time for you to raise any concerns. Your history and examination findings will be presented to a senior consultant, who will examine you again, explain your situation, discuss the decisions that need to be made, and answer any remaining questions. If any lesions requiring attention or biopsy are detected during your examination, they will be photographed for your medical record prior to surgery.

If you need to have surgery you will be seen by a plastic surgeon and coordinator who will organise a date for surgery. 

Our specialist panel comprises experts in pathology (who present the review of your pathology slides), dermatology (who present the assessment of your skin), plastic surgery, surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology (all of whom deal with aspects of treatment). This specialist team formulates a treatment plan for you that will take into account your particular needs and preferences.

You may be asked to return to the clinic in the afternoon to meet the specialist or specialists who will be most closely involved in your management.

When you leave

Your referring doctor will receive a letter detailing your plan of management. You will receive an information pack with details of your melanoma, including stage, management plan and support services.

Commonly asked questions

Need to know more about melanoma?

We have a range of information, resources and a melanoma risk calculator you can complete online to help you determine your risk of melanoma.

Find out more about melanoma.

How to access this clinic

Referral from your GP

You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service.

Your doctor will need to fax your referral letter to us. We will be in contact with you in clinically recommended times, depending on waiting list length. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

Clinic times