The experts on your healthcare team can answer important questions and provide valuable information about your diagnosis. The number of providers you’ll see will depend on the type of skin cancer you have and how advanced it is. RELATED: Sunscreen Glossary: A Guide for Decoding Every SPF Term You Need to Know
The Health Professionals Who Treat Skin Cancer
Here are several types of specialists who may be involved in treating skin cancer.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a doctor who’s trained to diagnose and treat conditions that involve the skin, hair, and nails. This type of physician plays an important role in diagnosing skin cancer. Dermatologists perform full-body exams to spot unusual lesions on your body, and skin biopsy procedures to test for cancer. If the results come back positive, your dermatologist will devise a treatment plan for you. Many low-grade skin cancers can be treated right in your dermatologist’s office. If the cancer is more advanced or requires complicated treatment for some reason, your skin cancer doctor may refer you to other specialists.
Oncologist
A medical oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer. You may need to see an oncologist if you have an advanced or high-risk type of skin cancer. There are different subtypes of oncologists, including:
Dermatological oncologist This is an oncologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.Medical oncologist A physician who treats cancer with medication, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.Radiation oncologist These doctors treat cancer with radiation therapy.Surgical oncologist An oncologist who removes skin cancer with surgery.
Plastic Surgeon
Sometimes, complicated skin cancer cases require the skill of a plastic surgeon. This expert specializes in the repair and reconstruction of skin and other parts of the body. A plastic surgeon might be needed to remove a very large skin cancer or a skin cancer that’s located on a person’s face. The surgeon can help improve the cosmetic results and minimize defects.
Mohs Surgeon
A Mohs surgeon is a dermatologist who is trained to perform a special type of procedure called Mohs surgery. This technique involves removing thin pieces of skin and examining each of them under a microscope before another layer is removed until a layer of skin is reached in which there are no cancerous cells in evidence.
Radiologist
These doctors review imaging scans. This type of doctor can determine if your cancer has spread and also help monitor your response to treatment.
Pathologist
This expert works behind the scenes examining samples of tissue or body fluids. When a dermatologist biopsies a lesion, the tissue sample is sent to a lab where a pathologist looks at it and writes a report to either confirm or rule out cancer, and, if it is cancerous, determine its type and stage. A dermatopathologist is a pathologist who specializes in skin diseases.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners are nurses who have a master’s or doctoral degree and special certification. These professionals work closely with doctors to help diagnose and manage patient care.
Physician Assistant (PA)
PAs often work alongside dermatologists. They’re certified and licensed medical professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree. PAs can provide a wide range of services depending on their training and experience.
Primary Care Physician
Your primary care physician provides preventive care. Some are trained to recognize skin cancer. Often, your primary care doctor will refer you to a dermatologist if skin cancer is suspected.
How to Choose the Best Healthcare Team
Your primary care doctor or dermatologist can refer you to specialists and help you assemble a strong healthcare team. It’s important to research each expert’s credentials. For example, you might want to confirm that the professionals you see don’t have a history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. Also, consider the doctor’s experience with treating your type of cancer. Board certification is another factor to take into account. If doctors are board-certified, it means they have the training, skills, and experience to practice in their specific field. You can also find out where the expert attended medical school and underwent training. Websites like Healthgrades provide this type of information. RELATED: The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen
Questions for Your Skin Cancer Healthcare Team
Here are some questions you might want to ask your dermatologist or other health professionals you see:
What type of skin cancer do I have?What stage is my cancer?How much experience do you have treating my type of skin cancer?What do you suggest is the best treatment for me?Are there other options? What are they?How effective is the treatment for my skin cancer?What are the side effects of treatment?How likely is it that my cancer will return after treatment?Should I stay out of the sun or take special precautions when outdoors?Do you accept my insurance plan?
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