To excise or not to excise? Should GPs remove possible melanomas?

摘要

In 2006, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK published guidance on improving outcomes for patients with skin cancer, including melanoma. This document was subject to wide consultation from patient groups, secondary care specialists, and GPs. The focus of the document revolves around patient pathways. It aims to direct patients to where they receive the best management at different points in their pathway. The summary states: 'All patients with a suspicious pigmented skin lesion ... or where the diagnosis is uncertain, should be referred to a doctor trained in the specialist diagnosis of skin malignancy.'