Abstract:
Melanoma rates in New Zealand are
among the highest in the world. Early
diagnosis and excision of primary
melanoma improves the prognosis.
General practitioners should be familiar
with the risk factors for melanoma
and the clinical appearance of superficial
spreading melanoma, lentigo
maligna melanoma, nodular melanoma
and acrolentiginous melanoma.
Suspicious lesions should be referred
to an expert for clinical diagnosis including
dermoscopy, or where this is
impractical, excised. Digital teledermoscopy
(mole mapping) is a
screening alternative for patients at
increased risk of melanoma, especially
those who have numerous or clinically
atypical melanocytic naevi.
