GPs in skin cancer surgery: When to cut and when to refer

Excision is routine work in primary care, but deciding who should wield the scalpel isn’t always straightforward. In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker explores the real-world judgement calls GPs make every day: when a skin cancer can be safely managed in-house, and when referral is the wiser path. Tune into the episode below to hear a grounded, experience-based discussion covering: Why local anaesthetic tolerance remains a key early filter. How size, complexity and your own comfort level influence the decision to proceed. The value of working alongside more experienced colleagues, and why observing can still be a worthwhile investment in your skills. When patient preference, social factors, and after-care logistics should tip the balance toward referral. Why a transparent, informed-consent conversation protects both patient outcomes and your medico-legal footing. This week's episode is a concise, candid look at the grey zones of primary-care skin cancer surgery, ideal for any GP refining their procedural decision-making.   Prefer a visual format? Watch this podcast here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey 🎓  NEW Micro-Course: Introduction to the Dermatoscope Led by A/Prof Tony Dicker, this short course introduces the dermatoscope as the clinician’s key diagnostic tool for skin examination — a practical foundation for those beginning their journey in skin cancer detection. ✅ Learn how to use the dermatoscope and capture clinical images. 🎖️ 9.5 hours CPD  •  Online  •   $195 👉 Learn more & enrol >   🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. ➡️ Explore full program