Primary excision of cutaneous melanoma: does the location of excision matter.

Br J Gen Pract · 2011

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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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.