I'm a GP caring for adults, children and families in North Brisbane. I'm particularly interested in prevention: finding the risk factors that matter for you, such as family history or early changes on blood tests, and working with you to reduce your risk of chronic disease. I also have a special interest in skin cancer medicine and surgery.
Prefer to call? Reception is on 07 3886 5100.
Many chronic conditions develop quietly over years. Picking up risk factors early gives us time to make changes that help.
Dr Matthew Blackstone is a general practitioner at Castle Hill Medical Centre in Murrumba Downs, caring for patients of all ages across North Brisbane.
Dr Blackstone studied a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney before completing his medical degree at The University of Queensland. He then spent three years working at Redcliffe Hospital across a range of medical and surgical terms, experience he draws on in general practice today.
His main interest is preventative care. He looks for individual risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease or diabetes, or abnormalities on blood tests, and works with patients on practical steps to lower their risk of chronic disease. He also enjoys helping patients prevent and manage long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease risk.
Skin cancer is common in Queensland, and Dr Blackstone has completed further training in skin cancer medicine, surgery and dermoscopy through Skin Cancer College Australasia. He offers skin checks with dermoscopy, biopsies and surgical excision of skin cancers in the practice.
He aims to explain things clearly and to agree on a plan you're comfortable with.
I see patients for all general practice concerns. These are the areas I have trained further in and enjoy most.
Understanding your individual risk, and acting early to reduce it.
Structured, ongoing care for long-term conditions, coordinated with your wider care team.
Detection, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, in the practice.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. About two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. Most skin cancers can be treated successfully when they are found early.
Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV Index is 3 or above. Across most of Queensland, it reaches that level on most days of the year, including winter.
From UV 3: slip on clothing, slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Check the daily UV forecast in the free SunSmart app.
We talk about previous skin cancers, family history, sunburn, skin type and any spots that worry you.
I examine your skin with a dermoscope, a handheld magnifying light that shows structures under the skin surface not visible to the naked eye. You can keep underwear on, and you're welcome to bring a support person.
Most spots need no action. Others may be photographed to monitor, biopsied, or treated. I'll explain the options and costs before anything is done.
Pathology results are followed up with you, and we agree how often you should have your skin checked based on your personal risk.
The most common skin cancer. Usually slow growing, often a pearly lump or a pink, scaly patch that doesn't heal.
Often a thickened, red, scaly or tender spot on sun-exposed skin. It can grow over weeks to months and is best treated promptly.
Less common but more serious, because it is more likely to spread. Often a new or changing spot. Early detection makes a real difference.
A small sample is taken under local anaesthetic and sent to pathology to confirm a diagnosis.
The skin cancer is removed with a margin of normal skin and closed with stitches, under local anaesthetic.
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze sunspots (solar keratoses) and some superficial lesions.
Prescription creams treat larger areas of sun damage, reducing the number of sunspots that develop further.
If a skin cancer needs treatment beyond general practice, I'll arrange a referral to a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or other specialist. Statistics: Cancer Council Australia and healthdirect.
The simplest way to see me is to book online through HotDoc, at any time of day.
Book online with HotDoc, or call reception on 07 3886 5100.
For a skin check, choose the skin check appointment type. If you have several concerns to discuss, please book a longer appointment.
Book onlineFees depend on the type and length of appointment and any procedure, and a Medicare rebate applies to eligible services.
Please ask reception about current fees when you book. Procedure costs are discussed with you before treatment.
In the Castle Hill shopping centre at Murrumba Downs, with parking on site, a QML Pathology collection centre in the practice and a pharmacy next door.
In an emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
After hours in Queensland, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day.
Mental health crisis: Lifeline 13 11 14, available 24 hours.