Melanoma Service

What we do

We provide wide-ranging information and advice about melanoma and the most appropriate way to treat it. Assessment is provided by specialists in dermatology, pathology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, general surgery, plastic surgery, nursing and psychology. Our service participates in trials of new treatments, and is available to patients who have been recently diagnosed with melanoma or who want second opinions about their care.

We are actively involved in melanoma research and information obtained from assessment of our patients’ melanomas is collected and used for the benefit of those who will develop melanoma in the future.

The Victorian Melanoma Service (VMS) is one of Australia’s largest multidisciplinary treatment services for melanoma. It was established in 1994 to provide comprehensive assessment for people with melanoma by providing them with ‘one-stop shop’ access to all medical and other specialists involved in the treatment of melanoma.

The Melanoma Clinic diagnoses, treats and provides follow-up care for people with melanoma. Our clinic is patient-centred, which means that patients are fully informed through the process and encouraged to make decisions about their own medical care.

Who we care for

We diagnose, treat and provide follow-up for people with melanoma and other aggressive skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma. We see people who have uncommon skin tumours or where there is uncertainty about the diagnosis of a skin lesion.

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

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