The Intersection of Law and Medicine in Full Skin Examination in Screening for Cutaneous Malignancy

Full skin examination (FSE) is a vital practice in the diagnosis of cutaneous malignancy. Precisely whatthe FSE entails, however, with respect to concealed site examination (CSE), in particular sensitive sites including the anogenital region, breasts, scalp and oral mucosa, remains poorly elucidated. While the incidence of skin cancer at these sites is low, it carries a poor prognosis. A standardised approach is proposed to FSE with respect to inclusion of CSE to provide: an optimised and uniform approach to patient care, guidance to clinicians performing FSE routinely, and in doing so to protect them medico legally. This article analyses the medico-legal issues pertinent to this issue.