Understanding the Role of Each Specialist in Skin Cancer Care

Your dermatologist is often the first specialist you will see and the one who will conduct initial screenings and biopsies. Dermatologists are trained to detect skin cancer in its early stages, and they are crucial in:

• Performing regular skin checks to detect abnormal growths.
• Conducting biopsies to confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer.
• Referring you to other specialists for further treatment if necessary.
• Providing non-surgical treatments for pre-cancerous lesions or early-stage skin cancers.

If your skin cancer requires surgery, a surgical oncologist will likely perform the procedure. Their primary role is to:

• Excise or remove cancerous tissues from the skin.
• Use specialized techniques like Mohs surgery for precise removal of cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.
• Ensure that the cancer has been fully removed by checking the margins of the excised tissue.

In cases where the skin cancer is more advanced or has spread, a medical oncologist may be involved. They focus on systemic treatments such as:

• Recommending and administering chemotherapy for more aggressive or widespread cancers.
• Exploring immunotherapy options, which help your immune system target and destroy cancer cells.
• Coordinating with other specialists to ensure the overall treatment plan is cohesive and effective.

If radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan, a radiation oncologist will lead this aspect of your care. Radiation oncologists help by:

• Designing and implementing radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Using advanced imaging techniques to precisely focus radiation on cancerous areas while sparing healthy tissue.
• Collaborating with your medical and surgical oncologists to determine if radiation is necessary before or after surgery.

For many patients, especially when skin cancer affects sensitive areas like the face, a plastic surgeon may be involved in reconstructive procedures. Their contributions include:

• Reconstructing areas of the skin after cancerous tissues have been removed.
• Improving cosmetic outcomes, ensuring that scars or defects are minimized.
• Providing long-term follow-up to ensure healing and optimal appearance.

While you may not directly interact with a pathologist, their role is crucial behind the scenes. Pathologists are responsible for:

• Examining tissue samples from biopsies or surgeries to confirm the diagnosis.
• Determining the type and stage of skin cancer, which informs your treatment plan.
• Ensuring that all cancerous cells have been removed by examining excised tissue margins.

Each specialist in your skin cancer care team plays a unique and important role in your journey toward recovery. The multidisciplinary approach ensures that every aspect of your condition is addressed, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. By working together, your team provides you with the best chance for a positive outcome.