Skin cancer - Information for referrers
Referral route
GP to book outpatient appointment before patient leaves surgery. No children under 16 years
City & Hackney GPs should please use the Isla telederm pathway for urgent suspected skin cancer referrals meeting the following criteria:
- single lesions (not widespread) and viable photo can be captured
- lesion is not on breast, perianal, genital area or where face can be identified
- patient has mental capacity, has NO safeguarding issues, or is NOT systemically unwell or febrile
- NO chronic inflammatory skin conditions
- NOT a child with known safeguarding concerns.
For confirmation of GP diagnosis consider advice & guidance before this pathway.
For suspected melanoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma go straight to USC pathway rather than teledermatology service .
Possible procedures on typical USC (“2ww”) pathway
All patients undergo dermoscopy. Some may have a biopsy or excision of suspected malignant skin lesions . Occasionally, we may carry out radiology .
Essential tests prior to referral
None
Optional tests (concurrent to referral) or other useful information
Dermoscopy. For City & Hackney GPs submit ISLA image in primary care, if criteria are met for ISLA 2WW.
Things the hospital or patient need to know
Not applicable
What the hospital tells the patient in letters
We try hard to minimise delays in clinic. Please allow up to 1 hour for your appointment. You may have biopsy at your appointment if the clinician thinks this is the right thing to do.
Useful information