Skin Cancer Check GP Melbourne | What to Expect

Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. It’s the most common cancer in the country — and one of the most preventable when caught early.

The challenge is that many skin cancers don’t look alarming to the untrained eye. A mole you’ve had for years can change. A new spot can seem unremarkable. That’s why regular skin checks with a GP who knows what to look for are one of the most straightforward health investments you can make.

At Manningham General Practice, we have doctors with a specialist interest in skin cancer and dermatoscopy, serving patients across Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Bulleen, and nearby suburbs. A skin check is also a key part of your broader preventative health routine.

Can a GP Do a Skin Cancer Check?

Yes — your GP is often the first and most appropriate port of call for a skin cancer check. General practitioners with training in skin cancer medicine and dermoscopy (a magnifying tool that allows detailed examination of skin lesions) can identify the vast majority of suspicious lesions and facilitate prompt referral or biopsy when needed.

You don’t need to visit a specialist dermatologist for a routine skin cancer check. In fact, seeing your GP first is recommended — they know your full health history, which is relevant context for assessing your skin cancer risk.

What Happens During a Skin Cancer Check?

Here’s what to expect at your appointment:

1. What to wear: Wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to remove. Remove nail polish from fingers and toes beforehand — nails can occasionally show signs of melanoma.
2. Full-body or targeted check: Your doctor will perform either a full-body skin examination or focus on specific areas of concern, depending on your risk level and what you’ve noticed.
3. Dermoscopy: Your GP uses a dermatoscope — a handheld magnifying device with polarised light — to examine lesions in detail invisible to the naked eye.
4. Documentation: Any suspicious lesions may be photographed and recorded for monitoring or further assessment.
5. Outcome: Your doctor will tell you what they found and recommend next steps — which may include no action, monitoring at a set interval, biopsy, or referral.

Warning Signs — What Your GP Is Looking For

The ABCDE rule is the standard guide for identifying potentially suspicious lesions:

• A — Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other half.
• B — Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• C — Colour: Multiple colours within a single lesion — brown, black, red, white, or blue.
• D — Diameter: Larger than 6mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) — though melanomas can be smaller.
• E — Evolution: Any spot that is changing in size, shape, colour, or behaviour (bleeding, itching, crusting).

Beyond melanoma, your GP also looks for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common skin cancer, often appearing as a pearly or flesh-coloured bump — and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which can appear as a scaly, red, or rough patch.

How Often Should You Get a Skin Cancer Check?

Frequency depends on your individual risk profile:

• High risk (fair skin, family or personal history of skin cancer, history of sunburn, outdoor workers, immunosuppressed): Every 6 to 12 months
• Average risk: Annually
• Lower risk: Every 2 to 3 years, or as directed by your GP

If you notice any change in an existing spot, or a new lesion that concerns you, don’t wait for your scheduled check — book an appointment promptly.

What Happens If Something Suspicious Is Found?

Finding a suspicious lesion doesn’t mean you have cancer — it means your GP wants to look more closely. Depending on what they find, next steps may include:

• Biopsy: A small sample of the suspicious lesion is removed and sent to a pathologist for analysis. Many GPs, including at MGP, can perform minor excisions in-clinic. Our minor surgical procedures service handles this efficiently on-site.
• Monitoring: Some lesions are photographed and reviewed at a follow-up appointment to check for any change.
• Referral: Complex cases or suspected advanced melanoma may be referred to a dermatologist or specialist surgeon.

Early detection changes outcomes significantly. Melanoma detected at stage 1 has a 5-year survival rate above 95%. That’s why showing up for your check matters.

How to Protect Your Skin Between Checks

• Apply SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, not just at the beach
• Wear protective clothing — long sleeves, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-rated sunglasses
• Seek shade between 10am and 3pm when UV is strongest
• Avoid tanning beds entirely
• Check your own skin monthly and report any changes to your GP promptly

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a skin cancer check covered by Medicare?

A GP consultation for a skin check typically attracts a Medicare rebate. MGP is a private billing practice, so an out-of-pocket fee applies. Contact the practice on (03) 8840 1400 for current fee information.

What should I do to prepare for a skin cancer check?

Remove nail polish from fingers and toes before your appointment. Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. Make a note of any spots or moles you’re concerned about to discuss with your doctor.

How long does a skin cancer check take at a GP?

A full skin examination usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. A targeted check on a specific area of concern may be quicker.

Can a GP remove a suspicious mole?

Yes — GPs who specialise in skin cancer or minor surgical procedures can perform biopsies and minor excisions in-clinic. MGP offers minor procedures including skin lesion removal.

What is the difference between a melanoma and a regular mole?

The ABCDE rule is the guide: Asymmetry, irregular Border, multiple Colours, Diameter over 6mm, or Evolution (any change). If a spot has any of these features, see your GP promptly.

I have a family history of melanoma — how often should I be checked?

Family history is a significant risk factor. Most doctors recommend checks every 6 to 12 months for high-risk individuals. Discuss your specific history with your GP.

Do I need a referral for a skin cancer check?

No referral is needed to book a skin cancer check with a GP. You can book directly with Manningham General Practice by calling (03) 8840 1400.