Diagnosis and management of cutaneous melanoma

Abstract

Background In the field of melanoma, clinical trials evaluating the impact of sentinel node biopsy, completion lymph node dissection and adjuvant medical therapies on patient outcomes have provided evidence that has changed practice significantly over the past five years. Objective The aim of this article is to discuss key evidence that has informed new Cancer Council Australia melanoma management guidelines. Discussion General practitioners play a critical role in melanoma diagnosis and follow-up. Complete excisional biopsy to achieve accurate tumour microstaging is essential for obtaining reliable prognostic information, planning further management and accessing adjuvant medical therapies...