Dermatologist Fails to Diagnose Skin Cancer Before Cryotherapy

This case involves a 48-year-old man, with a history of psoriasis, who went to his dermatologist to receive treatment for his skin tags. The dermatologist chose to use cryotherapy, but failed to perform a skin biopsy before starting the treatment. There were no complications during the treatment process, but 3 months afterwards, the patient began to notice raised purple clusters forming around his side. He immediately went back to his dermatologist and an evaluation revealed the patient had stage IV melanoma.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you evaluate and treat patients with melanoma?

2. What are the most common risk factors for melanoma?

Expert Witness Response E-095725

I am an oncologist who treats and evaluates patients who have been diagnosed with melanoma. There are a number of risk factors associated with melanoma such as sun exposure, light complexion and family history. However, a large number of melanoma cases cannot be directly linked to either of these.