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Melanoma Surveillance — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasySkin CancerMelanoma SurveillanceSCE Dermatology

A 32-year-old woman presents with a 5 mm diameter melanocytic naevus on her arm. She asks how frequently she should monitor her moles. She has no personal or family history of melanoma, fair skin (Fitzpatrick II), and approximately 30 naevi. What is the recommended surveillance?

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Correct answer: B — Self-examination education and GP review if changes noticed

For individuals at average melanoma risk (no personal/family history, moderate naevus count, no atypical mole syndrome), BAD/NICE guidelines recommend self-examination education — teaching patients the ABCDE criteria and 'ugly duckling' sign — with instructions to seek GP review if they notice changes. Routine dermatologist surveillance is not indicated for average-risk individuals. Enhanced surveillance (6-12 monthly dermatologist review with dermoscopy ± total body photography) is reserved for high-risk individuals: personal melanoma history, ≥5 atypical naevi, >100 naevi, familial melanoma/CDKN2A mutation, or immunosuppression.

Reference: BAD 2017 Melanoma Guidelines; NICE NG12