A patient consults with their GP

Melanoma

Statewide referral criteria

Specialty: General surgery
Age group: Adult

Immediately contact the plastic surgery registrar to arrange an urgent plastic surgery assessment for:

  • Skin lesion highly suspicious for melanoma or excision biopsy proven melanoma

Criteria for referral to public hospital service

  • Skin lesion highly suspicious for melanoma or excision biopsy proven melanoma

Information to be included in the referral

  • Details of onset, duration, site, size and any recent changes in size of lesion(s)
  • Histology results

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Patients with suspected or proven melanoma should be referred for an immediate plastic surgery assessment, whether arranged through a telephone conversation or written referral.

Note there are dermatology statewide referral criteria for Melanoma.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

Not applicable

Updated

Where to get help

Patients
For information about your specific medical condition, care pathway and/or wait times, please contact your GP or health service that you have been referred to.

General Practitioners
If your query relates to a referral for a specialist clinic, please contact the relevant health service directly or refer to their website for guidance.

For all other queries
Email plannedcare@health.vic.gov.au.