Timely diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: the GP's role.

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequent skin cancer among Caucasians. Advanced cases determine significant tissue destruction and they can metastasize.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of GPs in timely diagnosis of SCC, examining the probability of delay before the diagnosis and treatment of SCC among patients having first seen a GP compared to patients having accessed directly a dermatologist.

Methods: We included a stratified sample of 308 SCC patients treated at a referral center in Italy. Medical records were reviewed and combined with patient interviews.

Results: Multivariable analysis has shown that patients who have first seen a GP have a significantly lower likelihood of long patient delay [odds ratio (OR) = 0.45; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.21-0.94; P = 0.04) compared to patients having accessed directly a dermatologist. Treatment delay was not associated with the specialization of the first doctor seen for the lesion (OR = 0.52; 95% CI 0.15-1.84; P = 0.31).

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential role of the GP in facilitating rapid access to appropriate health care.