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Surgery
  • Age should not be an exceptional factor regarding this protocol – decisions under this protocol should apply to all age groups.
  • Diagnostic doubt or suspicion of pre malignancy/malignancy is not covered by this protocol.
  • Referrals for suspicion of malignancy or pre-malignant lesions should be made via the appropriate cancer pathway.

 

Procedures not routinely provided by NHSScotland

  • Excision/ablation/laser removal of benign skin or subcutaneous lesions including xanthelasma.

Clinical psychology

  • All approved referrals may be seen by a specialist Clinical Psychologist at the discretion of the surgical team.

BMI

  • There are no specific BMI restrictions.
  • If BMI is significantly raised, consider carefully whether patient is appropriate for this type of surgery.

Considerations for treatment

Indications for referral

  • Issues which may allow consideration of surgical removal include unavoidable recurrent trauma and evidence of recurrent of infection. Please make this clear if this is the reason for referral.
  • Lesions causing significant functional impairment.
  • Referral should be accompanied by a good quality photograph/image and clear indication of criteria for removal.

Contraindications for referral

  • Benign lesions causing no functional impairment will not be removed by NHSScotland.

Waiting Times

  • These procedures are not subject to the 18 Weeks Referral to Treatment Standard.

Treatment for these conditions is not routinely offered by NHSScotland and can only be considered when all criteria are met.