Assessing and managing malignant melanoma in primary care

Malignant melanoma (skin cancer) is now the 11th most common cause of cancer death in the UK and an estimated 2500 people die from melanoma each year in the U.K alone.¹ Perhaps most worrying are the statistics which indicate that incidence of the condition has risen significantly in recent years.

As with all cancers, early diagnosis is the most effective way to tackle the disease, prevent spread and improve survival rates. This article will discuss symptoms, diagnosis and treatment and hopes to give nurses and nurse prescribers, confidence in assessing patients and getting them referred early for appropriate care and treatment.