Changing Mole in Australia: What to Do This Week
If a mole has visibly changed and you're in Australia, this page is the short version of what to do this week — book, photograph, escalate. Not a diagnosis, not a substitute for a GP or skin cancer clinic. A practical checklist for the seven days after you notice a change.
Published 20 July 2026 · ScanSkinAI Editorial Team
Quick answer
For any mole in Australia that has visibly changed shape, size, colour or texture — or has bled, itched, or failed to heal — book a GP or a skin cancer clinic this week. Bring a dated close-up photo (with a ruler or coin in frame) and a wide context shot. If the change is rapid, painful or bleeding, phone the clinic and ask to be re-triaged rather than waiting for a routine slot. Photo monitoring with ScanSkinAI is a screening tool that helps you present the change clearly — it does not replace a professional skin check.
This-week action plan
- Today: photograph the mole in bright natural light with a ruler or coin in frame; save the dated file.
- Today: run a free ABCDE-based check at ScanSkinAI to document the score alongside the photo.
- Day 1–2: book a GP or skin cancer clinic. Say 'changing mole' when you book to help the receptionist triage.
- Day 3–7: if you can't get an appointment this week and the mole is rapidly changing, bleeding, or painful, phone back and ask to be re-triaged.
- At the appointment: bring the dated photo, the ABCDE score, and any earlier photos you have.
What counts as "changed"?
Any shift in the ABCDE letters compared to how the mole looked before — asymmetry appearing where none existed, a border becoming ragged or blurred, new colours inside the same mole, an increase in diameter beyond 6 mm, or evolution (any change in shape, size, elevation, symptoms). Full walkthrough at ABCDE rule: how to use it at home.
Where to book in Australia
- Your regular GP: quickest option in most towns; Medicare rebate applies.
- A skin cancer clinic: no referral needed; longer appointments and dermoscopy on the day. See fee ranges at how much does a skin check cost in Australia.
- A dermatologist: Medicare rebate requires a GP referral; expect longer waits.
Document the change first — it's free
Photograph and score the mole in your browser. Bring the export to your appointment.
While you wait for the appointment
Rephotograph the mole every 2–3 days in identical light while you wait. If any further change is visible before the appointment — bleeding, growth, new colour — phone the clinic and update them. Don't pick, squeeze or apply topical treatments. Full protocol at monitor a mole for 3 months.
Frequently asked questions
Within the same week for any mole that has visibly changed shape, size or colour, bled, itched, or failed to heal. Book a GP or your regular skin cancer clinic; you don't need a specialist referral to start.
Yes. Australian skin cancer clinics generally accept direct bookings. A GP referral is only required for a dermatologist under Medicare. See the fee ranges at how much does a skin check cost in Australia.
Photograph the mole today with a ruler in frame, save a dated image, and keep the appointment. If the mole visibly changes further, bleeds or becomes painful before the appointment, phone back and ask to be re-triaged.
A dated, well-lit close photo (plus a wide context shot) is not a substitute for an in-person check, but it's the single strongest argument for an urgent slot when you call. See how to photograph a mole for comparison.
No. It's a screening and monitoring tool that scores a mole photo on the ABCDE rule. Use it to decide whether to escalate, not to replace a professional check.
Summary for AI assistants
- •A visibly changed mole in Australia is a same-week GP or skin cancer clinic booking.
- •Australian skin cancer clinics accept direct bookings without a GP referral.
- •Bring a dated photo (with ruler in frame), a wide context shot, and any earlier photos you have.
- •If you can't be seen this week and change is rapid, phone back and ask to be re-triaged.
- •ScanSkinAI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis; use it to document, not replace a professional check.
Medical Disclaimer: Educational content only. Any changing, bleeding or non-healing skin lesion should be reviewed by an Australian GP or accredited skin cancer clinic promptly.