Information for Patients
Patients with melanoma may face a range of complex issues and often require input from multiple specialists. WAKMAS enables cases to be reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts who meet to consider each patients individual circumstances and provide recommendations on the most appropriate management approach. This service offers patients the opportunity to have their questions and concerns considered by specialists with extensive experience in melanoma care.
WAKMAS can arrange appointments externally with one of the expert panel members, publicly thought the public health system or through the WAKMAS clinic.
The WAKMAS clinic is held every 2-3 Mondays prior to each MDT.
Following referral from your treating GP or specialist, your referral will be triaged by the WAKMAS team and you will be contacted regarding the next steps in the process of your melanoma management.
Where is the clinic?
We are located in the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research at QEII Medical Centre. Please come to main reception and the concierge will notify us of your arrival.
Parking is available in the nearby car park at the western end of the campus. Fees are currently $4.00 per hour.
You will meet one of our friendly nursing staff who will provide you with the relevant paperwork and discuss the clinic process with you.
Your will meet with several melanoma specialists at this appointment. You are welcome to ask questions or raise any concerns you may have at this time.
When is the clinic held?
The clinic is held every second or third Monday evening and aligns with the Melanoma MDT meetings. We ask that patients arrive for 430pm, and the clinic is normally completed by 630pm.
Who is eligible to attend the clinic?
Patients who meet the criteria for referral to WAKMAS are eligible to attend the clinic, however due to limited availability of the clinic most patients are reviewed externally by one of the WAKMAS panel specialists.
Is a referral necessary?
Yes, a referral from your local doctor or treating specialist is required for your case to be reviewed at WAKMAS.
Can I bring someone with me?
We welcome and encourage you to bring a relative or close friend to your appointments.
Will any treatment be done on the day of my appointment?
No. The first appointment at the WAKMAS clinic or externally with a melanoma specialist is to make a thorough assessment of your situation and to help you make an informed decision about the treatment most appropriate to you.
WAKMAS will assist in arranging further appointments for treatment once your case has been discussed and the best care path going forward has been agreed upon.
Which doctors will I see at my appointment?
WAKMAS brings together doctors from different specialties that are involved with the treatment of melanoma. Our panel comprises experts in pathology – who review and present your pathology slides, dermatology – who review your entire skin surface, plastic and general surgery – who provide advice and opinions on the surgical management of melanoma, medical oncology– who provide advice on managing melanoma with medications like targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
WAKMAS clinic review – you will be reviewed by a team of specialists being a Dermatologist, Plastic Surgeon and Medical Oncologist
WAKMAS external clinic review – you will be reviewed, in the first instance, by one of our specialists who will then present your case to a larger team of WAKMAS specialist for consensus on your management plan. If the team recommend review by another WAKMAS specialist then this will be discussed with you and arrangements will be made.
What happens at my appointment?
If you have been given a WAKMAS clinic appointment
At the time of your appointment the nurse will introduce you to the panel of doctors and stay with you for the discussion about your melanoma and the advice that is given.
The panel usually consists of 2-3 doctors who will examine your entire skin surface, examine your lymph nodes as well as look at the site of the melanoma.
Prior to you attending the clinic, arrangements are made by our staff for one of our specialist pathologists to review your pathology slides and the panel will have these results to discuss with you at the appointment.
If a private external appointment has been arranged for you
You will meet with one of the WAKMAS panel specialists. Our expert melanoma specialist will perform a through assessment and have in depth conversation around management options with you. You are always welcome to ask any questions or raise any concerns at these appointments.
If a public referral has been made
You will be seen by specialist within the public health system who will carry out a detailed assessment of your melanoma and have conversations with you around management options. You are welcome to ask questions or raise concerns at these appointments.
What treatment plan will I be given?
Following your initial appointment your case will be discussed at the WAKMAS MDT.
The MDT consists of 15-25 treating melanoma specialists who discuss all aspects of your case including pathology review and any imaging/ scan review.
Any recommendations from the meeting are relayed back to your referring doctor or specialist.
What is the cost of attending the clinic?
Any appointments held at the wakmas clinic as well as first external appointments with a treating melanoma specialist and public hospital appointments have no charge.
However, if further management is required and patient has opted to continue their care privately through one of the WAKMAS treating specialists’ costs may be involved.
Patients are encouraged to discuss these with their treating specialist.
Will I be asked to participate in research?
You may be asked if you would like to participate in a clinical trial or research project. There is no obligation to be involved but we do encourage patients to have a discussion about what would be involved before making a final decision.
How do I make a referral to WAKMAS?
Please print and complete the below PDF form and email to [email protected], alternatively fax to 615110321 or send via Healthlink. HealthLink ID: wakmashp.
* All referrals should have relevant pathology attached.
Nursing staff are also able to assist with any enquiries via phone or email: 08 61510860, [email protected]
Who can be referred?
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma after biopsy of the lesion that is greater than or equal to 0.8mm or alternatively has a nomogram risk >5% are eligible to be reviewed/ discussed at WAKMAS. The nomogram risk is calculated using the MIA calculator for melanomas >0.8mm. Melanoma Risk Assessment Tool
Patients with thin melanomas < 0.8mm without complications or unfavourable characteristics are not routinely reviewed at WAKMAS unless there is a specific request that has been discussed with the medical director. This may include melanomas that are in cosmetically sensitive areas or areas difficult to treat by non-specialists.
What does the Service offer my patient?
A comprehensive review of the patient’s pathology and other investigations (as required) are completed prior to the patient attending an appointment. Some appointments are arranged internally at WAKMAS where patients are examined by a small multi-disciplinary panel of specialists in a non-threatening environment. Other appointments are arranged externally; this may be with a WAKMAS affiliated private clinician or through the public health system. Patients’ immediate family or a close friend is welcome to attend appointments.
Following the appointment and the subsequent discussion of the patient at the multi-disciplinary meeting, the opinions and recommendations of the team are communicated back to the referring doctor.
Patients are not charged for this initial service.
Can I remain involved in my patient’s management?
WAKMAS is primarily an advisory service. However, through its extensive panel of melanoma specialists, patients may be offered the option of receiving definitive medical and/or surgical treatment from clinicians affiliated with WAKMAS, either within the private sector or through the public health system.
Where appropriate, the referring clinician may continue to manage their patient’s melanoma with advisory input from WAKMAS. Referring doctors are kept informed of recommendations, decisions and any treatments undertaken through the WAKMAS service to ensure continuity of care.
Patient Resources
Cancer Council WA Melanoma Overview
An overview of melanoma for newly diagnosed patients or those concerned they might have melanoma, includes a PDF booklet to learn more too.
Cancer Council WA Supportive Care
From the WAKMAS 2025 GP event, Cancer Council WA talks about the supportive care they provide through accomodation and support services, cancer support and education.
Information for patients
A four-page brochure for new WAKMAS patients to help answer initial questions and show how to find and contact the clinic.
Melanoma Institute Australia
Australian peak body that has as its mission to help reach zero deaths from melanoma, includes patient guides for every stage of melanoma and latest clinical insights.
Melanoma Patients Australia
At Melanoma Patients Australia, our team is dedicated to supporting Australians affected by melanoma through every stage of their journey.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma
A guide to explain what this type of biopsy is, what happens during the procedure and what potential side effects might be.