What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating ways to improve surgical removal success for keratinocyte skin cancers, the most common form of skin cancer in the UK. This study compares two methods of marking the skin before surgery: the standard technique using magnifying glasses and theatre lights, and a newer approach using a handheld dermatoscope device. The goal is to see if dermatoscopy helps surgeons completely remove the cancer more often, which could reduce the need for additional treatments and hospital time. This trial is a phase 4 randomized controlled study conducted at a single center. Participants will be randomly assigned to have their skin lesion marked before surgery either by the usual method or using a dermatoscope, which provides high magnification and special lighting to better define lesion borders. Both groups will have the lesion borders marked with a pen according to established guidelines. Surgery will proceed as normal following marking. This study includes a pilot phase involving about 200 patients to assess recruitment rates, data collection feasibility, and any limitations in dermatoscope use on certain body areas. Throughout the study, researchers will collect medical records and pathology reports to determine if the cancer was completely removed, measured six weeks after surgery. Patients will also complete a short questionnaire about their experience. Additional long-term outcomes include cancer recurrence over five years, need for further treatments, marking process issues, patient satisfaction, and marking duration. The study monitors the completeness of excision as the primary outcome and aims to gather data to support future larger trials.

Dermoscopy vs Standard Marking for the Completeness of Excision of Keratinocyte Skin Cancers: The ClearMark Trial