Plain-English explanations of the technical terms and legislation used in this document.
- Acknowledgement
- Confirmation that the referral was received. It does not mean the patient has an appointment yet.
- Dermoscopic findings
- What was seen when the lesion was examined through a magnifying instrument with a light.
- Duty of candour
- The legal duty to tell a patient promptly when something has gone wrong, apologise, and explain what will be done.
- Immunosuppression
- A weakened immune system, whether from illness or medicines, which raises the risk of skin cancer.
- Laterality
- Which side of the body, left or right. Always written in full so it cannot be misread.
- Lost to follow-up
- A patient we can no longer confirm is receiving the care they were referred for.
- Melanoma
- A serious skin cancer that can spread if not caught early.
- Safety netting
- Telling a patient exactly what changes should make them come back, and how to get in touch.
- Scale marker
- A small ruler placed in a photograph so size can be measured accurately.
- Statutory notification
- A report a registered provider is legally required to make to the Care Quality Commission about certain events.
- Structured assessment
- Using a set checklist to assess a lesion, so the assessment can be written down and checked later.
- Urgent referral
- Sending a patient to a specialist quickly because cancer is suspected.