There are a variety of different medical professionals that may treat skin cancer. Depending on the type of skin cancer or melanoma present your family doctor may be able to complete the diagnosis and treatment without the need for a specialist. However, most individuals diagnosed with skin cancer or melanoma will also be referred to a highly specialized physician. A dermatologist is a specialist within the medical profession that works exclusively with skin conditions, which includes all forms of skin cancers and melanomas.
For some patients the dermatologist may also make a referral to an oncologist, which is a doctor that specializes in the treatment of cancer. Often the specialists work as part of a health care team for the patient. This team may include the family doctor, a medical social worker, nurses and therapists. The specific type of skin cancer or melanoma as well as other health conditions or cancers will have an impact on the number of medical professionals on the health care team. In recent years patients and caregivers have also become more active members of the treatment team, leading to more positive long term recoveries.1
There are several factors to consider when choosing a dermatologist, oncologist or other specialist for your treatment team. Often a family doctor can provide referrals to professionals within your geographic location, which can be a great place to start. In addition consider the following qualifications and information about each doctor you are considering before you make your first appointment.2
Experience and Expertise
Medical specialists such as dermatologists and oncologists have extensive medical training. They complete a standard medical degree, including a residency requirement, and then they also spend three years in additional training before they are recognized as a specialist in their field.3 Dermatologists focus entirely on conditions related to the skin, nails and the hair. Oncologists study all forms of cancer and may have sub-specialties within the larger category of specialization. If you are fortunate you may be able to find an oncologist that specializes in skin cancers or a dermatologist that does the same.
These medical specialists are already experienced in their field and many have worked with the leading research hospitals and doctors around the world. It is still important to check the physician’s credentials and do some comparisons between professionals if you have options. Ask about the physician’s specific experience with your type of cancer and the treatment that he or she is recommending.
Accessibility
Specialists are often located in larger centers or research hospitals as opposed to local clinics or smaller hospitals. Making a decision based on the location of the specialist may be an important consideration. Longer distances can include increased time off work, increased cost of treatment and also increased stress on the patient and caregivers. If you are working with a treatment team due to other health issues or concurrent cancer treatments finding a professional that can work with the team as needed is also an important consideration to keep in mind.
Accessibility may be important as to the specific office hours that the specialist keeps. Many specialists divide their time between research and treatment and they may not have a full office consultation schedule. Most dermatologists can perform basic office surgical and biopsy procedures, examinations and patient consultations right within their office or clinical setting.3 More complex surgical procedures are typically handled within a hospital setting, especially those that require inpatient care.
Comfort And Communication
Having a good level of comfort with your dermatologist and oncologist is very important. You should feel that the doctor has time to answer your questions and is willing to take the time to listen to your concerns and provide additional information as requested. Many specialists provide medical social workers or support professionals that can spend time individually with the patients to help with general questions and information on treatments, options and how to find support groups and other assistance.
Many doctors now provide extensive information on their website that patients can review before the appointment. This typically includes a brief statement of the professionals experience and areas of expertise as well as a general history of their work as a dermatologist or oncologist. Most professionals will also list information that can help patients prepare for the first visit and the examination. This can include what to bring, what to expect and how long the typical visit will take.
Feeling comfortable speaking to your dermatologist and oncologist is essential. Doctors, like other medical professionals, tend to have different types of personalities and interactions with patients. Finding a good match for your particular personality and comfort level in talking to your doctor is important so you can be very proactive in all communication.
Some dermatologists and oncologists may also offer options for distance consultations via email, teleconference or phone. This usually not possible for the first examination but may be appropriate for follow-ups after treatment either with a nurse specialist or the physician.5 New advances in technology that allow patients to send digital images and other documentation to doctors can greatly assist in these types of distance consultations. Again, different doctors may be more comfortable with this use of technology and its use is limited due to HIPPA requirements and other logistical restraints.
There are several different websites that offer patient reviews and feedback on different doctors and specialists. Taking the time to review these websites can provide general information about all aspects of the practice.
References
1 The Cancer Treatment Team. (n.d.). Retrieved from Stanford Medicine:
cancer.stanford.edu/information/cancerTreatment/team.html
2 What is a Dermatologist. (n.d.). Retrieved from Consumer Research Council of America: www.consumersresearchcncl.org/Healthcare/Dermatologists/derma_chapter1.html
3Ibid
4 Skin Cancer: Treatments And Drugs. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic:
www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
5 N.D James, D. G. (1994). Who should follow up cancer patients? Nurse specialist based outpatient care and the introduction of a phone clinic system . Clinical Oncology, Volume 6, Issue 5 , 283-287.
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