MPS reveals 'Melanoma blackspot' – 94% of claims lie with GPs

More than 9 in 10 claims over delayed diagnosis of melanoma involve GPs, according to figures released by the Medical Protection Society (MPS)* today in its Your Practice magazine.

Within the last decade MPS has opened hundreds of cases – working out at a new case almost every two weeks – of these, a third result in claims of clinical negligence**.

The figures are revealed ahead of the festive season, when people are likely to use sunbeds to top up their tans for Christmas parties, or take a holiday to escape the cold Winter weather.

Dr Richard Stacey, Medicolegal Advisor at the Medical Protection Society, said, 'These figures reveal a serious melanoma blackspot when it comes to delays in diagnosis.

As the first point of call for patients, who may be coming in for checkups in the New Year, GPs should be extra careful to ensure that skin lesions are thoroughly assessed and, if needed, referred for excision. It is vital to take comprehensive notes and follow up any histology results that are returned to the practice.

Now is the time to deal with this blackspot – focusing on prompt and appropriate action and better communication to prevent delays.

GPs need robust systems to deal with diagnosis, documentation, referral and with results. It is important to explain carefully to the patient the rationale for referral, how long it could take, and what they should do if they are not given an appointment within the time period.'

More information

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Medical Protection Society Press Office on 0207 399 2019, or [email protected].

Notes to editors

*During 2001 to 2011 MPS dealt with 234 cases relating to the missed or delayed diagnosis of melanoma. Of those cases, 205 related to GPs (88%).

**73 of the 234 cases related to claims (31%) and, of these, 69 involved GPs (94% of all claims). The rest involve dermatologists, histopathologists and general surgeons.