A new study shows that the background of the surgeon does not affect the outcome in melanoma.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have surveyed 4,159 melanoma patients who had their tumour removed between 1979 and 1998. They found the outcomes to be similar, whether the operating surgeon had a background in dermatology, cosmetic work, or general surgery. This is in contrast to breast cancer surgery, where specialist breast surgeons generally get better results than general surgeons.

What this study tells us is that a patient with melanoma should see the surgeon with the shortest waiting list. Speed of treatment is more important than surgical background. This is probably a reflection of the relatively simple nature of melanoma surgery compared to breast surgery.

Source

British Medical Journal 30th November 2002