Skin cancer management: Making the most of your pathologist.

Background: Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer globally. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer is critical for positive patient outcomes. General practitioners (GPs) play a central role in skin cancer management in Australia.

Skin cancer: What happens in the laboratory?

Background: Skin cancer specimen handling in Australian histopathology laboratories, while largely standardised, exhibits significant variations that affect clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Objective: This article provides clinicians with an understanding of histopathological processes to enhance diagnostic precision, inform surgical margin evaluations and refine management approaches.

Discussion: Understanding specimen handling and protocols is vital for accurate interpretation of pathology reports and management of skin cancers.