2020, issue 18

Diagnostic delays in malignant melanoma

440X400 Kathryn Leask 23 Higher Res
ByDr Kathryn Leask
Published28 July 2020
Melanoma can be a challenging diagnosis, so it's important to be confident in assessing and making management decisions about skin lesions.
Photo credit: iStock

Failure to diagnose malignant melanoma is not necessarily negligent but a claimant may have a case if they can demonstrate that a doctor's management fell below the expected standard.

This page was correct at publication on 28/07/2020. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Dr Kathryn Leask
Medico-legal adviser BSc (Hons) MBChB (Hons) LLB MA MRCPCH FFFLM RCPathME DMedEth

Kathryn has been a medico-legal adviser with the MDU since 2007 and is a team leader, trainer and mentor in the medical advisory department. Before joining the MDU, she worked in paediatrics gaining her MRCPCH in 2002 and holds a CCT in clinical genetics. She has an MA in Healthcare Ethics and Law, a Bachelor of Law and a Professional Doctorate in Medical Ethics. She is also a fellow of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and has previously been an examiner and deputy chief examiner for the faculty. Kathryn is currently a member of the faculty’s training and education subcommittee and a member of the Royal College of Pathologists (medical examiner).

Diagnostic delays in malignant melanoma