Ten years of skin malignancies in a single general practice

Generalists within the UK have for many years been performing minor surgical procedures. Little has been published concerning this activity.

To determine the management of skin malignancy in a UK general practice in order to allow comparison of activity with other practices and disciplines and to identify areas for research.

Retrospective cohort study in an urban 4-partner general practice of 10,000 patients. Total ascertainment of all diagnosed skin malignancies over 10 years achieved by undertaking computerised searches.

136 skin malignancies were identified in 101 patients. The recurrence rates for basal cell carcinomas managed in primary care were comparable to rates published for secondary care. A quarter of patients developed a metachronous skin malignancy or a recurrence.

Almost half of all skin malignancies were wholly managed within primary care. There appeared to be no consistent pattern of management. There is a need for research and consensus on optimal care.