The foundations of skin cancer medicine

This course focuses on the foundations relating to skin cancer medicine. Participants will acquire the knowledge required to safely and confidently diagnose and treat commonly encountered skin lesions. It is the ideal starting point to build core knowledge in skin cancer management and acquire vital diagnostic skills and basic management techniques to provide effective care to patients.    

Unit one introduces the foundation information required for skin cancer medicine and outlines the content of the course. Unit two describes the BEST protocol (BEnign or Suspicious Test) and divides lesions into benign or suspicious with guidelines and clinical images of pigmented skin lesions. Benign lesions require no action and suspicious lesions require biopsy or referral. A quiz with clinical and dermoscopic images to select benign or suspicious lesions is provided, with contextual answers as part of this unit.   

Unit three discusses the importance of skin checks and commences with a table dividing assessment of skin cancer risk into three categories: high, medium and low risk and includes patient self-examination and opportunistic skin check. The unit describes how to perform a skin examination and includes lesion history, general medical history, allergies and current medications. The unit includes a video of a systemic total skin examination. Unit four describes partial and complete punch and shave biopsy techniques. The unit concludes with a patient case showing cylindrical portion of skin bearing a dark pigmented surface for which biopsy is recommended. The pathology report is provided as the lesion was partially excised and sent for examination.   

This course is evidence-based, demonstrates best practice and is regularly updated. 

1. Outline the foundations of epidemiology and evaluate the importance of skin history.  
2. Determine the steps in the carrying out of skin checks.   
3. Evaluate images of suspicious skin lesions.  

Suitable for all degree qualified medical practitioners.