Primary excision of cutaneous melanoma: Does the location of excision matter?

Abstract

Melanoma is diagnosed more quickly if primarily excised in primary care, but current guidelines discourage this. The reports of all melanomas excised in north-east Scotland between 1991 and 2007 were analysed for adequacy of excision. Reports were analysed blinded as to source. Of primary biopsies performed in primary care, 72.5% were reported as completely excised, compared with 69.7% of those performed in secondary care (P<0.612). The difference remained non-significant following adjustment for important confounders. ©British Journal of General Practice.