Dr Paul Charlson argues that mole apps should never replace a full consultation or be used to change clinical diagnosis
Melanoma is a deadly and increasingly common skin cancer. In fact, in 2012, there were reports of more than 100,000 new cases of malignant melanoma.1 It is often curable if detected and removed in the early stages so an early diagnosis is extremely important.2 Increasing public awareness of this disease, prevention and diagnosis are key elements in reducing morbidity and mortality.3 Generally, publicity about melanomas is positive, but it can have negative effects. It can make some patients anxious resulting in frequent consultations. It can also result in patients being referred on the ‘two-week rule’ (the time within which a GP must refer a patient with a suspected melanoma to a specialist) by primary care clinicans even though they are very likely to be benign…
