You should get that mole checked out: Ethical and legal considerations of the unsolicited clinical opinion

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Legal and ethical obligations do not always align when doctors become aware of a clinical situation involving a person with whom they have no pre existing therapeutic relationship. Noting a potentially malignant skin lesion, such as a melanoma on a person outside the clinical setting, provides a pertinent example. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the legal, ethical and professional considerations surrounding proffering a dermatological opinion in the case of suspected melanoma outside the clinical setting. DISCUSSION: The application of professional and ethical standards may require the doctor to act in some way to alert the person of their findings in a context ..