Skin lesions and other skin cancers - dermatology

Specialty: Dermatology
Age group: Adult

Criteria for referral to public hospital service

• Bopsy proven basal cell carcinomas
• Biopsy proven Bowen’s disease
• Giant (larger than 20 centimetres) or pigmented congenital naevi or congenital naevi that are noted to be changing
• Pigmented naevi if melanoma is suspected and where biopsy is unable to be performed in primary care due to the size of the lesion or anatomical site (head or genitals)
• Squamous cell carcinomas where biopsy or excision is contraindicated in general practice due to anatomical site (head or genitals)
• Where there is biopsy confirmed concern for malignancy.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Details of onset, duration, site, size and any recent changes in size of lesion(s) and speed of growth
• Biopsy results unless biopsy is unable to be performed in primary care due to the size of the lesion or anatomical site (head or genitals)
• If the patient is immunosuppressed
• Current and complete medication history (including non-prescription medicines, herbs and supplements and immunosuppressants).

Provide if available

• Colour photograph(s) – with patient’s consent where secure image transfer, identification and storage is possible. These images often assist with identifying clinical urgency and the most appropriate specialist clinic or service
• If the person identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• If the person is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
• If the person is from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

Additional comments

The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Note there are surgery statewide referral criteria for Skin lesions and other skin cancers.

Many low-risk basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas can be managed in primary care and do not require referral to a public hospital specialist clinic.

Skin assessments of at-risk patients are best managed in primary care.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

• Benign skin lesions.