Other Dermatological Conditions

Frequently asked questions

• If it's benign, should I still remove it? +

  Not necessarily. Many benign lesions can be safely monitored rather than removed. Removal is typically chosen for one of three reasons: symptoms (the lesion catches, bleeds, snags or is irritated by clothing or jewellery), cosmetics, or diagnostic certainty (the lesion's appearance is atypical enough that histology is warranted). The right decision is made at the appointment after dermatoscopic review and a discussion of risks vs benefit for your specific lesion.
• If I'm not sure what a spot is, which page should I start with? +

  Start here. A focused 20-minute appointment with dermatoscopic review is the fastest pathway to a clear diagnosis and a sensible plan. If your concern is a changing, growing, bleeding or non-healing lesion, the Skin Cancer Types page covers the cancer pathway specifically — but if you are unsure which pathway you need, this sub-hub is the right starting point.
• Do you send lesions for histology? +

  Almost always, yes. We believe sending removed lesions for histopathology is the safest and most thorough approach — the clinician's dermatoscopic impression is highly accurate but not infallible, and histology confirms diagnosis, completeness of removal and any unexpected findings. The few cases where histology might not be sent are discussed individually at the appointment (e.g. very superficial cosmetic shaves of clearly benign lesions where histology would not change management).
• When should I book promptly rather than wait? +

  Book promptly if you notice a new or changing mole (size, colour, shape, bleeding, itching), a spot that is growing quickly, crusting, or bleeding, a non-healing area, a lesion that looks 'stuck-on' but is changing or irritated, or any lesion you feel uncertain about — especially if you have higher skin cancer risk factors (fair skin, history of significant sun exposure, prior skin cancer, family history, immunosuppression).
• What's the difference between a mole that needs monitoring and one that needs removal? +

  It depends on clinical and dermatoscopic features, the lesion's stability over time, your personal and family history, and your overall risk profile. Many atypical / dysplastic naevi can be safely monitored with photographic and dermatoscopic review at planned intervals; others have features that justify removal for histology. The decision is made by the doctor at the appointment based on the specific lesion, not a blanket rule.
• What removal options do you offer? +

  Multiple options, chosen on medical appropriateness AND cosmetic outcome for the specific lesion type, depth and location: shave excision + base treatment (common for benign raised lesions), laser (selected pigmented, vascular and superficial lesions), radiofrequency (precise removal of superficial benign growths), cryotherapy (selected viral and pigmented lesions), or surgical excision (for lesions requiring histology, deeper lesions, or where cosmetic margin matters).
• Do you do skin checks at this appointment, or is that separate? +

  This appointment is a focused 20-minute assessment of a specific concern or small number of concerns — not a full-body skin check. If you would like a full-body skin check, that is a longer dedicated appointment via our Skin Checks pathway. If during this appointment we identify other lesions of concern, we will recommend the full-body pathway as a separate appointment.
• Do I need a referral? +

  No referral is required. You can book directly. A referral from your GP or another treating clinician is welcome — it helps with collegial communication and continuity of care — but it is not a barrier to accessing the service. Both clinics (Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek) operate the same way.