Guidelines
Suspected Malignant Melanoma
Suspected cancer pathway referralPerson to receive a diagnosis, or ruling out cancer within 28 days if there is:
- A pigmented skin lesion with ≥3 on weighted 7-point checklist score, or
- Dermoscopy suggests melanoma
- Nodular melanoma suspected (consider)
Weighted 7-point checklist:
- Major features (2 points each)
- Change in size
- Irregular shape
- Irregular colour
- Minor features (1 point each)
- ≥7mm (largest diameter)
- Inflammation
- Oozing
- Change in sensation
Suspected Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Consider a suspected cancer pathway referralPerson to receive a diagnosis, or ruling out cancer within 28 days if there is a suspected squamous cell carcinoma skin lesion.
Suspected Basal Cell Carcinoma
Consider routine referral (to dermatology) if there is a suspected basal cell carcinoma skin lesion.
Since basal cell carcinoma is less dangerous, it only warrants routine referral, while malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma warrant suspected cancer pathway referral.