MELANOMA: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT BY CLINICIAN SPECIALTY

Course overview

Appropriate referral of patients with suspicious skin lesions is essential because early diagnosis of melanoma and prompt surgical treatment significantly increase cure rates. The incidence and mortality of melanoma are increasing. Primary clinicians (e.g., nonspecialist MDs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and staff nurses in office, hospital, and other clinical practice) are well positioned to assess patients for skin changes and factors that increase melanoma risk, but they may lack training and experience in detecting melanoma. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of relevant research on melanoma diagnosis and management by clinician specialty, including evidence-based information on the increasing incidence of melanoma; the benefits and drawbacks of primary care clinician assessment; and the multiple types of clinician specialists necessary for melanoma screening, diagnosis, and treatment to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.