Your Trusted Melanoma Skin Cancer Clinic
A melanoma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic has a team of expert melanoma specialists providing comprehensive melanoma detection consultations and treatments.
Our team is ready to assist you, ensuring personalised and effective care for each patient.
Melanoma Treatments
In the journey of recovery from melanoma, there are various treatment options available for melanoma, tailored to the disease stage, genetic mutations, and patient’s health. Our treatment includes:
Excision
Effective for localised melanomas, excision involves surgically removing melanomas along with a margin of healthy tissue.
Skin Grafts
For cases involving significant skin removal in melanoma treatment, we offer skin graft procedures to aid in healing and restoration.
In advanced stages of melanoma, treatments may include Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. A collaborative approach with oncologists, surgeons, and skin specialists ensures a personalised strategy for each patient.
Melanoma Symptoms: When Should You See A Doctor?
It’s important to recognise melanoma symptoms early for quick intervention. Consult a doctor if you notice:
- Changes in the shape or colour of an existing mole
- Sudden appearance of a new skin lump
- Painful, itchy, or bleeding spots
- Red, rough, flat, or dry spots or sores
- Unexpected bleeding from a lump
- Persistent skin sores that don’t heal
- Fatigue or nausea
Melanoma Diagnosis
To diagnose melanoma, our specialist performs a thorough visual skin check, followed by a biopsy for confirmation; other advanced diagnostic tools are used, such as CT melanoma scan and blood tests, to assess the extent of the disease accurately.
Melanoma Staging
About Melanoma
Melanoma is a rare but highly dangerous form of skin cancer originating in melanocytes, responsible for skin pigmentation. It can rapidly spread to lymph nodes and organs, emphasising the importance of early detection and treatment.
At Manningham, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive melanoma care, including detection, diagnosis, and treatment for various melanoma types.
- Superficial Spreading Melanoma: Common in younger individuals, often starting as new spots or changes in existing moles.
- Nodular Melanoma: Fast-growing and aggressive, usually found in older individuals.
- Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Slow-growing and common in middle-aged individuals.
- Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: Rare and found on the palms or soles.
- Desmoplastic Melanomas: Firm lumps are often mistaken for scars.
Understanding risk factors such as family history, skin characteristics, and immune status can aid in the early detection and proactive management of melanoma.
Survival Rate
Between 2015 and 2019, individuals diagnosed with early-stage melanoma had a 94% chance of surviving for five years. Over the years from 1990–1994 to 2015–2019, the five-year relative survival rate increased from 90% to 94%.
These numbers highlight the progress made in diagnosing and treating melanoma, providing a hopeful recovery path for patients.
(Melanoma of the skin statistics | Cancer Australia. (2023). Canceraustralia.gov.au.)
Book a Melanoma Skin Check Today.
If you require a check for melanoma in Australia or have concerns about skin changes, Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic is here to provide expert consultation and personalised care.
Early detection and prompt intervention can significantly improve melanoma treatment outcomes.
Your Questions, Answered
You can schedule your appointment online through our website or by calling our clinic directly at (03) 8840 1410. Our staff will assist you in finding a suitable date and time for your skin check or consultation.
You do not need a referral to book an appointment with our skin specialists for a skin check or consultation. However, if your insurance plan requires a referral, please check with your insurance provider for specific requirements. Our clinic accepts both self-referred and doctor-referred patients.
Please bring any relevant medical records, a list of your current medications, any previous biopsy or lab results, your insurance information, and a list of questions or concerns you have regarding your case.
During a biopsy, a specialist numbs the area with a local anesthetic and then removes a small sample of the suspicious skin lesion. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for pathological examination to confirm whether melanoma is present.
Biopsy results typically take one to two weeks. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and plan the next steps based on them.
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week, but complete healing of the surgical site can take a few weeks.
Follow-up care typically includes regular skin checks every 3 to 6 months, imaging tests if needed, and monitoring for any new symptoms. Your doctor will provide a personalised follow-up schedule based on your case.
Skin checks are recommended every 3 to 6 months for the first few years after treatment, then annually after that. Your doctor will tailor the schedule to your specific needs.
Costs vary based on the type and stage of treatment. Most treatments are covered by insurance, but coverage details can vary. Our team can help you understand your treatment costs.
Protect your skin from UV radiation by wearing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and avoiding peak sun hours. Regularly check your skin for any changes and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your overall immune system.
Early-stage melanoma can often be cured with surgical removal. Advanced melanoma is more challenging to treat but can often be managed with a combination of therapies to control the disease and improve quality of life.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any new or changing moles, lumps, or other skin changes. Early detection of recurrence is key for effective treatment.