Gp referral melanoma. Your worry is unlikely .

Gp referral melanoma. All patients with a confirmed melanoma should be discussed at the melanoma or skin cancer MDT at the cancer centre for further management. Dec 30, 2020 · Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, thus early detection and prompt referral is pivotal to improve prognosis. I was not convinced so yestterday I went to a private dermatology consultant and when he looked it he frightened me it could be subungal melanoma, he suggested biopsy ASAP. GP referral GP refers to secondary care on the urgent suspected skin cancer pathway as normal. You will get your appointment as soon as possible. If you can’t get an appointment within this time, follow up with your GP. Jun 19, 2025 · A dermatologist sometimes even gets it wrong as moles can look dodgy but turn out to be dysplastic (precancerous). These guidelines take into account evidence-based research, the findings of Sep 24, 2020 · Bupa UK has launched a new remote skin assessment service to provide all its health insurance customers with fast detection of skin cancers from the safety of their home, and without the need for a GP referral*. Jan 25, 2024 · Skin cancers Malignant melanoma of the skin refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for melanoma if they have a suspicious pigmented skin lesion with a weighted 7-point checklist score of 3 or more. should be discussed at the Ninety-six melanomas were diagnosed during this period with 96% treated within 2 weeks of GP referral, the majority (74%) excised on the day of PLC attendance. Even if you're worried about what the symptom might be, don't delay seeing them. Aug 31, 2025 · “Getting a GP appointmen­t is challengin­g and the referral to hospital dermatolog­y specialist­s is uncertain, with hospital waiting times. Your appointment will probably be at a skin clinic or at a pigmented lesion clinic (a special clinic for diagnosing melanomas early). Learn more about how melanoma is diagnosed. Your GP has been great in dealing with you so promptly & the 2 week referral is standard for a mole that looks suspicious. naso-labial Cosmetically difficult sites e. The British Association of Dermatologists revised guidelines in the management of cutaneous melanoma 2010 [3] and the recently launched ‘‘National Melanoma GP referral Guidelines’’ [4] by the National Cancer Control Programme in Ireland recommend that all lesions suspi-cious of melanoma should be referred to a local screening service Jul 26, 2025 · My question is actually about what I should expect from my gp going forward. Jul 25, 2025 · My question is actually about what I should expect from my gp going forward. Rectal Cancer Cutaneous Melanoma - Radiological staging and surveillance GP Referral Guidelines GP Referral Guidelines and Referral forms Consensus statement Colon, Rectal and Anal Cancer Surveillance Recommendations Consensus group statement Prostate Cancer Moderate Hypofractionation Interim Recommendations Consensus Group Statement June 2023 Ovarian Cancer GP Referral Guideline and referral form (update pending) Colorectal GP Referral Pathway (update pending) Electronic referral is available for Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer and Pigmented Lesions. Seeing your GP or optometrist with symptoms of eye cancer You should see your doctor or optometrist if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. Your referral appointment is also happening slightly quicker than usual because only referrals are being seen face to face at the moment - regular check up appointments for melanoma patients are Malignant melanoma Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for melanoma if they have a suspicious pigmented skin lesion with a weighted 7-point checklist score of 3 or more Don’t Rely on Memory If you have numerous or dysplastic moles, or if you’ve had a previous melanoma, ask your doctor about total-body photography. National Melanoma GP Referral Guidelines. Any individuals that do not meet the above referral criteria, but in whom you continue to have concerns, please contact the department to discuss further. Nov 19, 2015 · Many people think you should always go to a specialty skin cancer clinic if you have a skin spot or mole that needs checking. It prevents Skin cancers - recognition and referral: Summary Melanoma of the skin — just over 13,000 new melanomas are diagnosed each year in the UK. NCCP Pigmented Lesions GP Referral Form The NCCP are delighted to work with the Dermatology Services at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork to pilot the NCCP Melanoma GP Referral Guidelines and NCCP Pigmented Lesions GP Referral Form with GPs in Cork. If you're finding it difficult to get an appointment you should keep trying. Mar 27, 2025 · The new cancer detection process is being trialled by GP practices in Devon and Cornwall. Jan 21, 2025 · Getting diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer You should see your GP if you notice a new mole, abnormal area of skin or changes to an existing mole. NATIONAL MELANOMA GP REFERRAL GUIDELINES A patient with a suspected melanoma should be referred to a consultant dermatologist or plastic surgeon for diagnosis. Of the 96 melanomas diagnosed in the PLC period, 96% had excisional biopsy within two weeks of their GP referral, with the majority (76%) having their surgery on the day of PLC attendance. Choosing who to trust with your skin health can be a difficult decision. Dermatology Referral Criteria Criteria for referral-SCC All suspected SCC SCC excised in primary care should be discussed with local skin cancer MDT Criteria for referral – BCC Any BCC which cannot be managed in Primary Care Diagnosis uncertain Morphoeic or sclerosing BCC with indistinct margins High risk sites e. “Many people were, but I was unlucky and developed an early stage skin cancer,” she added. However, the referral for initial Melanoma Patients Australia All services provided are free of charge with a national reach across Australia for patients, carers and family members at any stage of their melanoma journey. Or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of cancer. The following sections examine these health system, practice, and GP and patient level factors and their influence on melanoma management and referral in more detail. These guidelines take into account evidence-based research, the findings of the National Cancer Strategy 2006, and expert Additional research is also needed to assess implementation strategies such as embedding the checklist within the electronic medical record, and examining its impact on GP utilisation, referral patterns, stage of melanoma at diagnosis, survival rates, and cost-effectiveness. They will do some tests and may refer you to a specialist. Plan to update this whenever I get a result. Initially your GP or a specialist dermatologist may take digital photos of your mole or lesion. . Jan 9, 2020 · NCCP Melanoma GP Referral Guidelines and NCCP Pigmented Lesions GP Referral Form with GPs The NCCP are delighted to work with the Dermatology Services at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork to pilot the NCCP Melanoma GP Referral Guidelines and NCCP Pigmented Lesions GP Referral Form with GPs in Cork. MIA has a Melanoma Dermatology clinic in The Poche Centre at Wollstonecraft Find out more. You can arrange to see a dermatologist without a GP referral, but this will not generally be covered by Medicare. au NATIONAL PIGMENTED LESION GP REFERRAL FORM A patient with a suspected melanoma should be referred to a consultant dermatologist or plastic surgeon for diagnosis. In this study, 13. To identify factors influencing GPs’ decisions to diagnose, treat, or refer patients See your GP if you develop a new mole, abnormal area of skin or changes to an existing mole. Some GPs can treat basal cell cancer. To see a dermatologist, you will need a referral from a GP or a skin cancer clinic. i. With approximately 650 registered dermatologists in Australia, you may face a waiting period. However, the referral for initial assessment should be made to the General, Melanoma or Plastic surgical service, not medical oncology. Ugly creatures. Contact the The impact of melanoma and treatment on the patients’ life Any impact of treatment on the patients' values, beliefs, and cultural needs Any early referral to other specialist required (e. The 2 week suspected cancer pathway is used because melanoma needs catching as early as possible to ensure a successful treatment. Especially when considering the various medical professionals involved in the process. All patients with a confirmed melanoma should be discussed at the melanoma or skin cancer MDT at the Cancer Centre for Further Management. It also covers advice on the prevention of malignant melanoma and self-care advice to people at increased risk of developing melanoma. MDT at All the patients Cancer with Centre a confirmed for further melanoma management. Depending on your symptoms and other factors, this might be an urgent referral. If the referring clinician organises a biopsy – please ensure a core or excisional biopsy is performed Patients with some Stage 3 Melanoma may receive immunotherapy as their first cancer treatment / as neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery. • It is not recommended that patients with suspected melanoma are biopsied in a general practice setting Refer patients with suspected primary Melanoma through local surgical pathway for further investigation and management. When you see your GP, they will examine the lesion or mole of concern and if needed, refer you to a skin specialist called a dermatologist for professional clinical assessment. Other models of shared care reported elsewhere have included community-based ‘shared care’ GPs who conduct follow-up for all cancers, including melanoma [13], and local GP-led melanoma follow-up supported by additional training and improved systems of referral to melanoma specialists when suspicious lesions are found [25]. Download our Melanoma ABCDE checker to assess suspicious lesions: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter (>6mm), Evolution. You have access to a full range of allied health staff. Covers the management of pigmented lesions in primary care, including referral of suspected melanoma. It's important to check your moles and go to your GP if you notice any changes. Last reviewed: 29 2: Presentation, initial investigations and referral continued Initial investigations • incompletely excised lesions that cannot Assessments should include taking a lesion be treated definitively in primary care. You can also email: info@cancercontrol. ” She says that she has not used a sunbed but was exposed to the sun in childhood. Visit a dermatologist Your GP can refer you to a dermatologist for a skin cancer check. These professionals are often referred to as a cancer care team. Melanoma patients (n = 78) diagnosed in the 2 years prior to the inception of the PLC waited 3–34 days for consultation and 4–74 days for treatment. These guidelines are not exhaustive. Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to assess whether patients at elevated risk of melanoma attended a dermatologist consultation after a General Practitioner referral and to determine individual predictors of non-compliance. If you are at increased risk of melanoma skin cancer you may have regular skin checks. Method A retrospective study conducted using descriptive statistics of changes over 10 years in 2WW referral data. Skin cancer, especially melanoma, should be treated promptly after diagnosis. g. 4 days). Depending on your symptoms and other factors, this might be an urgent suspected cancer referral. Does their involvement end with the referral. Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for melanoma if they have a suspicious Jul 8, 2025 · a week ago I saw GP who attempted to freeze it off. Feb 9, 2025 · Alfred Health Specialist Clinics Melanoma«title» Referral Guidelines Issued September 2021 Last reviewed October 2024 2 Specialist Clinic Referral Guidelines MELANOMA GENERAL MELANOMA CLINIC Melanoma or suspected metastatic melanoma If histologically proven melanoma, refer urgently to the Victorian Melanoma Service - phone 9076 0365 or 0427 399 023 to discuss the referral. Jan 28, 2025 · Patients with some Stage 3 Melanoma may receive immunotherapy as their first cancer treatment / as neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery. Referral to a specialist for symptoms of eye cancer Your GP or optometrist should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to eye cancer. There is a specific optimal care pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, while the Guides to best cancer Nov 3, 2021 · This cohort study investigates the association between melanomas diagnosed during routine skin checks and melanoma-specific and all-cause mortality. Which skin patients are appropriate for a ‘Fast-Track’ referral? (To be seen within 2 weeks) Suspected diagnosis: Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Rare Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma, Bowen’s Disease or Actinic Keratosis See table 1 for features of these lesions Fast Track Referral Is the lesion on a special site? May 10, 2020 · I know how anxious you must be, being referred & it happening so quickly. However, a diagnosis of melanoma is not determined just from photographs. If needed, referral to a GP more experienced in skin cancer or specialist should happen within two weeks. Apr 16, 2020 · In Australia, melanoma is managed in primary and secondary care settings. it didn’t scab over and fall off and is now dark and raised. Breast, prostate, lung and pigmented lesion cancer electronic referral is now available in the four accredited GPIT software companies. National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2011. All patients with a conirmed melanoma should be discussed at the melanoma or skin cancer MDT at the Cancer Centre for further management. The 5 year survival is 90%. A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland. A lesion description, rather than a photo, was employed because the study sought a choice of management action instead of focusing on the clinical diagnosis of a specific skin lesion. A GP will refer you to a dermatologist if they feel it is necessary. You can book a dermatologist appointment without a GP referral, but this won’t generally be covered by Medicare. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and cases are on the rise. GP REFERRAL FORM consultant dermatologist or plastic surgeon A for patient diagnosis. compared to non melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), malignant melanomas (MM) are far less common (around 10% of skin cancers) although it is responsible for the majority of deaths due to skin cancer (2) it accounts for less than 1% of all cancers it may arise in a pre-existing naevus (mole) or develop de novo Teledermatology is where dermatological conditions are reviewed and/or diagnosed by specialist dermatologists from good photographic images. National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), 2011. Ovarian Cancer GP Referral Guideline and referral form (update pending) Colorectal GP Referral Pathway (update pending) Electronic referral is available for Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer and Pigmented Lesions. Useful links Irish Cancer Society Irish Skin Foundation Irish Association of Dermatologists Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and it is important to check your skin on 6 or 12 monthly intervals. Since a PCP will often refer you to a dermatologist if they aren’t sure about a spot, it makes sense to go straight to a dermatologist for an exam. Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to certain types of non melanoma skin cancer. , genetics, surgery) A member of the team will record the outcome of the discussion in the patient’s medical notes. Visual aids and graphics are available to assist in identifying concerning skin lesions. Read our referral guidelines for skin cancer, which includes malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. You will then get an appointment to go for day surgery which will be under a Specialist melanoma and skin cancer nurse will coordinate your care. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2006. Factors impacting on GPs’ decisions around when to refer and to whom they would refer Health system (macro) level At the health system level, the overlapping roles that GPs and specialists play in melanoma management meant that Please note that GPs should familiarise themselves with the National Melanoma GP Referral Guidelines and report patients with suspicious pigmented lesions promptly with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) Pigmented Lesion GP referral form. A full time GP is likely to diagnose approximately one person with melanoma every 3–5 years. Nov 17, 2023 · My GP called me and said he’d do an urgent 2 week referral as it’s grown since I last seen him and advised I’d probably have it removed sooner via NHS than private (I have a private date booked in for 13th December). Referral and seeing a specialist 29 Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist within 2 weeks if you have skin changes that could be due to melanoma. org. 2 WW CRITERIA FOR SKIN: ARDEN CANCER NETWORK Melanoma Pigmented skin lesions on any part of the body which have one or more of the following features: Pigmented lesion >5mm Growing in size Changing shape Irregular outline Changing colour Mixed colour Ulceration Inflammation NOTE: Melanomas are usually 5mm or greater at the time of diagnosis, but a small number of patients with very early INTRODUCTION This study was designed to: (i) determine if the priority of referral letters by general practitioners to a plastic surgery skin lesion clinic adhered to the national guidelines, what happened to these patients, and what was the histological diagnosis; and (ii) analyse whether the prognosis at diagnosis of malignant melanoma had improved since the introduction of the 2-week wait Jul 25, 2025 · My question is actually about what I should expect from my gp going forward. Design and setting Retrospective cross-sectional study of English general practices and their 2WW referral and Cancer Waiting Times database detection data (all cancers other than non-melanoma skin cancers) from 2009/2010 to 2018/2019. Which Health Professionals Will I See? After a melanoma diagnosis, you may be cared for by a range of health professionals who specialize in different aspects of your treatment, especially if you have a melanoma with a Breslow thickness greater than 1mm, or if the melanoma has spread. Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have skin changes that could be due to melanoma skin cancer. Instead of relying on memory to determine whether a mole has changed or is new, some dermatologists offer total-body photography to provide a baseline for comparison at future examinations. Due to COVID-19, you may have to wait longer. To find out more about how melanoma is diagnosed, click here. Your worry is unlikely Got a referral from GP to see a dermatologist next Friday. NATIONAL PIGMENTED LESION GP REFERRAL FORM A patient with a suspected melanoma may be referred to a consultant dermatologist or plastic surgeon for diagnosis. In this article, we'll delve into the advantages of choosing a skin cancer clinic, like Melanoma Dermatologists are doctors who have completed additional training to specialise in diagnosing and treating skin disease, including skin cancers. National Cancer Sep 20, 2023 · A diagnosis of melanoma usually begins with an examination of your skin. Total body photography CDs can be used in the clinic Apr 16, 2025 · The referral to a specialist melanoma service may be delayed if the patient does not attend their GP in a timely manner. Your team may include some or all of the Feb 19, 2024 · You will require a referral from your GP to see a dermatology specialist. Additional research is also needed to assess implementation strategies such as embedding the checklist within the electronic medical record, and examining its impact on GP utilisation, referral patterns, stage of melanoma at diagnosis, survival rates, and cost-effectiveness. with All a suspected patients with melanoma a conirmed may be melanoma referred should to a consultant be discussed dermatologist at or the melanoma plastic surgeon or skin cancer for diagnosis. For questions about health services, your entitlements, or how to access HSE health or social services in your area? Upon referral you will normally have a full skin examination by a member of the medical team. Jul 24, 2025 · My question is actually about what I should expect from my gp going forward. The second question asked to whom Aug 25, 2025 · A melanoma is a malignant tumour of pigment producing cells of the skin, melanocytes (1). it’s very like the one on my leg which was Stage 2b I think when it was removed. Ask your GP when this is likely to be. Seeing a specialist Your GP will refer you to a specialist clinic if they think it might be melanoma. Here, all of your skin is examined from the top of your scalp to the soles of your feet to look for any changes or unusual looking areas. If you see your regular family GP for a skin check, you may find they only have time to perform a single spot check and sometimes lack the training to diagnose skin cancer in general practice. Regular screenings can help identify suspicious moles, spots, or lesions before they become serious. We have both male and female practitioners on staff who regularly conduct mole and general skin cancer assessments. Diagnosing melanoma early Early diagnosis of melanoma is a critical first step in achieving higher survival rates and reducing treatment severity. They will look at it and may refer you to a specialist. A recent audit has revealed that ~50% of GPs refer melanomas as “Routine” as opposed to “Urgent Suspected Cancers” (USC), potentially resulting in late management. Aug 14, 2018 · Q: Can I Go to My Primary Care Physician for a Skin Exam? Although a skin exam with your primary care physician (PCP) can be a starting point in evaluating your skin for cancer, a dermatologist is the expert. We encourage you to use the optimal care pathways to guide discussions with your healthcare team and to help you make informed decisions about what’s right for you. So my question really is from that point when do I get contacted? 2WW Referral Criteria for Skin Lesions GPs across Coventry & Warwickshire are encouraged to use the NEW 2WW Skin referral form incorporating Teledermatology for all 2WW skin referrals TELEDERMATOLOGY In line with National mandate to implement teledermatology, patients referred on 2WW pathway who are appropriate for teledermatology will be offered image capture appointments, where available Additional research is also needed to assess implementation strategies such as embedding the checklist within the electronic medical record, and examining its impact on GP utilisation, referral patterns, stage of melanoma at diagnosis, survival rates, and cost-effectiveness. So that's why GP's are the 'triage system' when deciding on a referral. You will see a specialist as soon as possible. Called up GP, as I had mild trauma while trying to open a soya souce bottle the GP looked at the pic and it could be due to trauma. Questions you might want to ask • Can I choose whether I go to a public hospital or private practice? The Melanoma Education Portal provides HCPs with latest understanding of melanoma, from early detection through to management of late-stage disease. A dermatologist (skin specialist) or plastic surgeon will examine the mole and the rest of your skin. I have a complicated medical history involving a previous melanoma and another cancer so I was surprised that my gp did not get in touch to discuss implications of this diagnosis for my overall health. Aug 29, 2025 · Referral to a vulval cancer specialist team Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to vulval cancer. Jan 25, 2024 · An article from the dermatology section of GPnotebook: NICE urgent referral guidance for suspected malignant melanoma. periorbital High risk patients We also recommend the optimal care pathways to all people affected by cancer, both patients and carers. Skin checks are essential for early detection of skin cancer. ie to order more copies of these guidelines and referral forms. history focusing on: how long the lesion has Referral options been present; time course if it has changed; At the referral stage, the patient’s GP or the type of change; and In this podcast, Surgeon A/Prof Robyn Saw, Dermatologist Dr Annika Smith and Skin Cancer GP Dr Adrian Quek discuss the ideal biopsy for a melanoma diagnosis, provides an overview of management of early stage disease, outlines the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy and discusses which patients need referral to a specialist melanoma clinic. Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for melanoma in people with a pigmented or non-pigmented skin lesion that suggests nodular melanoma. Many of these patients are older, and may have lower health literacy and be at greater risk of being lost to follow-up if referral mechanisms are convoluted. The NCCP pigmented lesion (suspected melanoma) GP referral form is being used to pilot this phase. Jul 21, 2025 · I'm confused - when you say you went to a 2WW do you mean the referral to dermatology that your GP made? Have they (consultant or nurse) then said that 2 of your 3 moles need removing & have given you another appointment? If so, the appointment will be for a pre-op to explain the surgical removal & biopsy procedure. Jul 1, 2014 · Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to assess whether patients at elevated risk of melanoma attended a dermatologist consultation after a General Practitioner referral and to determine individual predictors of non-compliance. In most instances, there is no In each of the scenarios, it was clearly stated that melanoma was the provisional diagnosis. They may remove the mole and send it to In previous studies conducted in the United Kingdom, approximately 20% of GP referrals for squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma using the two-week wait proforma are later diagnosed through histopathology. 2% of patients referred were found to have squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma or melanoma. Management of Cutaneous Melanoma: Clinical Guidelines. Jun 18, 2025 · A dermatologist sometimes even gets it wrong as moles can look dodgy but turn out to be dysplastic (precancerous). But evidence suggests your GP is probably just as good. So I’ve agreed and he done the referral yesterday. Managed to see another GP today who did urgent referral to dermatology under 2 week wait target. Last reviewed: 29 NATIONAL PIGMENTED LESION GP REFERRAL FORM A patient with a suspected melanoma may be referred to a consultant dermatologist or plastic surgeon for diagnosis. Some cases of melanoma may require specialist care. In the GP group, 3 shave biopsies and 1 curettage were performed, of which malignant melanoma was clinically suspected in one patient. Benign or not, I want them off my body like yesterday. You should first make an appointment to see your GP who may ask you to send in a photograph first. Our typical pathway 1. An individual concerned about a suspicious lesion typically presents first to their GP. NATIONAL MELANOMA GP REFERRAL GUIDELINES A patient with a suspected melanoma may be referred to a consultant dermatologist or plastic surgeon for diagnosis. Further information about support options and access to referral forms into services can be found on the Melanoma Patients Australia website: melanomapatients. Nov 13, 2020 · If melanoma is suspected, a biopsy should be done within two weeks of your first GP appointment. You are also likely to be referred elsewhere if you require treatment. Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Melanoma. Why teledermatology? Teledermatology means patients can receive care closer to home, often by their GP. For melanoma patients seen in outpatient plastic surgery, the waiting time from GP referral to treatment ranged from 4 to 74 days (mean of 22. In each scenario, the first question asked if the GP would refer or perform a biopsy. It is crucial that healthcare professionals and patients can recognise the early signs of melanoma. I rang them to book and they said minimum 3-4 weeks. Sixteen of the punch biopsies were done when malignant melanoma was suspected and lesion otherwise was suitable for excisional biopsy. Our experienced dermatologist offers detailed skin assessments and skin cancer screening services. xiyn 5a9d lnwtc ocnpi 6vqfaip sci9zr p0t klkqg b5ht szliv7s