Skin Cancer Checks
& Skin Health
skin cancer checks Melbourne
Healthy Skin Starts With Your GP
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it deserves extra-special care.
Australia’s harsh sun and common conditions such as eczema, acne, and skin infections can all take a toll.
The GPs at Doctors of South Melbourne are here to help treat a wide range of skin concerns, from everyday skin concerns to thorough skin cancer checks* – often saving you an expensive visit to a dermatologist.
We welcome patients of all ages and skin types, and we strongly encourage regular skin checks. When it comes to skin cancer, early detection truly makes all the difference.
Skin concerns the GPs commonly treat
Most doctors at the clinic regularly support patients with:
- Acne
- Dermatitis
- Eczema and psoriasis
- Fungal infections (including tinea & ringworm)
- Hair loss
- Moles and lesions
- Rashes
- Rosacea
- Skin tags
Some GPs have additional training in dermatology and can manage more complex skin conditions. If you’d like to see a particular doctor, simply give us a call, and we’ll help you book with them.
Like to make an appointment? Book online anytime or call 8579 6838 to speak with our friendly reception team.
* Skin cancer checks and treatment consultations are charged at higher fees than for regular appointments.
Skin Cancer Checks in Melbourne
Each GP is dedicated to the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of your suspicious spots, moles, and lesions, providing you with the comfort of expert care.
Our reputation for first-class healthcare is well known across Melbourne, and the doctors performing skin cancer checks are at the top of their game.
You can trust that you’re in good hands.
On this page, you’ll find more information on:
Helpful Links & Websites
- ASCIA
Great fact sheets and actions plans and on skin allergies including eczema, hives and dermatosis. - Cancer Council
Information and resources on preventing, detecting and treating skin cancer in Australia. - DermNet NZ
Extensive library of 2,000+ skin health topics in an easily searchable format. - Rosacea
Summarized info from Vic Health on rosacea symptoms, diagnosis and treatments. - SunSmart
Education on reducing skin cancer’s impact on people living in Victoria. There’s also a free app that lets you know when to slip, slop and slap in your part of the state.
Our Technological Advantage
The doctors use some of the most advanced skin cancer detection equipment available.
We’ve invested in high-end magnifying dermatoscopes, cameras, and dermatology software to help analyse ultra-detailed, high-resolution images of areas of concern on your body.
What this means for you:
- earlier detection of skin cancers while they’re small
- fewer and quicker appointments, and
- a more detailed and accurate diagnosis.
Supported by such technology, the GPs can confidently help identify and treat problematic spots while helping improve Australia’s skin cancer statistics.
Tailored to your unique circumstances, the GPs offer you personalised skin checks and care.
They’ll help detect skin cancers early and monitor spots, moles, and lesions for changes over time.
If required, each doctor is skilled in a range of effective skin cancer treatments and procedures.
Skin Cancer Checks
Here’s what to expect during your first skin cancer check at Doctors of South Melbourne:
- Your GP will get a quick medical history from you and discuss any concerns you may have.
- You’ll undress down to your underwear (or to whatever level you are comfortable) – we have modesty sheets to cover/uncover areas of your body as needed.
- Using a super-bright MaggyScan lamp and dermatoscope, your GP will conduct a comprehensive all-over-body examination.
- They’ll then take high-resolution clinical skin photography of your back and any areas of concern.
In preparation for your skin check appointment, please arrive at the clinic without makeup and fake tan, and ensure you wear underwear.
Depending on what your GP finds, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment or come in for a biopsy or treatment.
Skin Cancer Treatments
If your GP detects a skin cancer, they’ll confirm its type visually or by taking a biopsy for pathology testing.
They’ll then talk with you about the best course of in-clinic treatments or procedures.
The GPs perform most procedures in our dedicated skin treatment room.
The treatment room is sterile, comfortable, and has all the latest equipment you’d expect from a first-class medical establishment.
Before going ahead with ANY procedure, your GP will explain:
- What’s involved, and why it’s the best course of treatment for your circumstances.
- The healing and recovery process.
- Any possible side effects.
The most common skin cancer treatments we offer patients are listed below.
PLACEHOLDER DO NOT DELETE
Topical cream treatment
This is also known as ‘field treatment’.
While undergoing treatment, you’re likely to notice a bit of a rash, which should disappear a week or so after finishing treatment.
Your GP will discuss the pros and cons of topical cream treatment with you.
Cryotherapy
Skin doctors commonly use this technique to get rid of a pre-cancerous actinic (solar) keratosis before it develops into a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or a low-risk BCC.
Cryotherapy is also used to freeze off seborrheic keratoses and viral warts.
The procedure is more uncomfortable than painful and feels similar to a superficial burn.
Shave excision/biopsy
Once they numb the area with a local anaesthetic, the doctor shaves off the offending lesion with a sharp, flat blade.
They’ll then send the removed section for testing. This helps confirm if the lesion is cancerous or requires a wider excision.
Surgical excision
To minimise scarring, skin doctors cut around the skin cancer in an elliptical shape.
The section of skin is sent to a laboratory to ensure the margins are sufficient to remove all cancer cells. We don’t want the cancer to grow back!
You’ll usually get a few stitches and clear instructions on at-home aftercare.
Plastic surgeon and dermatologist referrals
Sometimes, engaging a reputable plastic surgeon is the best approach to leaving a patient with the best cosmetic outcome – especially with complex surgery involving facial excisions.
All GPs work closely with such specialists and can provide you with timely referrals.
Each of the doctors below is a specialist general practitioner with additional training, qualifications, or experience in skin cancer.
They can perform detailed skin cancer checks, clinical diagnoses, and minor surgical procedures, often saving you the cost of visiting a dermatologist.
DR Jeanne north
DR zack bukhari
DR andrea hickman
DR james redwood
DR jackie fankhauser
Skin Cancer Fees & Patient Information
Our fees are open and fair, with no hidden costs. Patients with Medicare cards enjoy rebates.
For skin check appointments, a Medicare cardholder’s out-of-pocket fee* is:
Ordinary Hours
Monday – Friday (8.30 am – 5.30 pm): $172.00
After Hours
Monday – Friday (after 5.30 pm), Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: $197.00
_____________________
Fees for all appointments and services are payable after each consultation.
We accept all major credit and debit cards. We don’t accept cash or direct debit/bank transfers.
Please see our Patient Info page for more on our cancellation policy, test results, and Medicare.
* The ‘out-of-pocket fee’ is your final cost after deducting your Medicare rebate.
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When should I visit a skin GP?
You should see your GP sooner if you notice any changes in the colour, size, or appearance of a spot, mole, or lesion.
Additionally, checking your own skin every few months is a great idea. Have a loved one look over the areas that are difficult for you to see.
Do the skin cancer GPs do mole mapping and full-body photography?
All GPs practise evidence-based medicine backed by science.
What are the chances of dying from a melanoma?
Most deaths occur in individuals who have progressed to stage 4 melanoma, suggesting that the cancer has metastasized or developed below the skin. It can subsequently spread to other areas of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
It’s thought that close to 100% of people with stage 1 melanomas, where the cancer exits only on their skin, will survive for five years or more after diagnosis.
During a skin check appointment, can the GPs treat me for other non-skin related health concerns?
Please make a separate appointment online with your preferred GP for all other health concerns.
Can skin checks and treatment procedures be performed during my initial appointment?
The primary reason for this is that most suspected skin cancers require biopsies to be sent for pathology testing, confirming the type of cancer we’re dealing with (if any).
How do I prepare for a skin check appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that’s easy to remove, and please make sure you wear underwear.
Avoid makeup or tanning products as they may conceal areas of your skin that your GP needs to check.
What can I do to prevent skin cancer?
These include:
- Wearing waterproof SPF 50 sunscreen whenever you’re outside, especially between September and April.
- Slip, slop, slap, seek (shade), slide (on sunglasses).
- Whenever possible, avoid sun exposure from 10 am to 4 pm during Melbourne’s warmer months.
- Keep an eye on daily UV levels and stay in the shade when the levels are 3 and above.
- Avoid tanning beds.
Like More Info on Skin Cancer?
Like More Info on Skin Cancer?
Helpful Links & Websites
- Australian Skin Cancer Foundation
Advocacy, education, funding research, and providing support for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. - Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Research Centre (ASSC)
The ASSC drives skin and skin cancer research by attracting talented local and international researchers. - Cancer Council – Skin Cancer
Information and resources on preventing, detecting, treating, and managing skin cancer in Australia. - Center For Disease Control (USA)
Great resources and information from America’s leading science-based, data-driven service organisation that protects the public’s health. - DermNet NZ
Extensive library of 2,000+ skin health topics in an easily searchable format. - Melanoma Institute Australia
A non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing and curing melanoma through innovative world-class research, treatment, and education programs. - Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials
Working with world-leading researchers to deliver clinical trials that improve melanoma and skin cancer outcomes. - SunSmart
Education on reducing the impact of skin cancer on people living in Victoria. There’s also a free app that lets you know when to slip, slop and slap in your part of the state.