If the patient is fit for discharge, please send referral to local out-patient clinic for triage. If admission is likely to be prolonged, discuss with the on-call Dermatology team after arranging clinical photographs.
There are three main subtypes of skin cancer to consider when making a referral:
See figure 1 for image of basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinomas progress slowly, rarely metastasise and therefore do not require an urgent referral.
See figure 2 for image of squamous cell carcinoma.
Lesions are usually hyperkeratotic, crusty and inflamed with thick scales, often on sun exposed sites such as the face.
See figure 3 for image of melanoma.
Lesions are pigmented and irregular which may change in size, colour, shape and structure (over months to years). Often on sun exposed sites or pre-existing moles.
Asymmetry
Border (irregular / bleeding)
Colour (variation)
Diameter (>6mm)
Elevation
Guideline updated: September 2022
Page updated: September 2022
