Table 1 Scenarios
From: Choosing to biopsy or refer suspicious melanocytic lesions in general practice
SCENARIO 1 | On routine examination you notice a 1cm suspicious pigmented melanocytic lesion on a patient’s mid-back. You are concerned about the possibility of melanoma. There is plenty of redundant skin in the area. |
SCENARIO 2 | A patient complains to you about an itchy lesion on the ankle. There is a 5mm lesion, which you think may be melanoma. You judge complete removal of the lesion with primary closure just possible. Foot pulses are present. |
SCENARIO 3 | A patient claims that a large area of pigmentation on her cheek has recently changed colour. Clinically she has a Hutchinson’s melanotic freckle. You think it may be a melanoma. It measures 2 x 1cm and complete removal would probably need a flap. |
FOR EACH SCENARIO:* Question 1 - what is your next action? Question 2 - if you chose to refer, where would you refer? Questions 3 - if you do the biopsy yourself, please indicate your technique? | |