GPs risk legal action if they fail to follow GMC guidance - as well as NICE guidelines - when they treat skin cancers, warns the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) today (Wednesday, 16 July 2008).

GMC guidance in Good Medical Practice advises doctors to "recognise and work within the limits of [their] competence". The GMC also advises: "You should be familiar with relevant guidelines and developments that affect your work."

Says MDDUS medico legal adviser Dr George Fernie: "GPs should ensure that they are working within their sphere of expertise, have robust systems and comply with all relevant guidance, whether it is from the GMC, NICE or elsewhere."

Litigation may follow where an excision is incomplete, histology on the sample is not performed or the required standard of care is not provided, he adds.

The warning follows concern by the British Association of Dermatologists that family doctors are not following NICE guidance on performing such surgery.

Complying with guidance should enable MDDUS effectively to support doctors who are asked to account for their actions in performing surgical procedures locally.

MDDUS is a medical defence organisation providing access to professional indemnity and expert medicolegal advice for doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals throughout the UK.

www.mddus