Meet Your Care Team: Who Does What?
- Skin Cancer Champions
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
After a skin cancer diagnosis, many patients are surprised to learn that their care may involve more than one specialist. Depending on the type, location, and stage of skin cancer, a team of clinicians may work together to develop and carry out a treatment plan.
For many people, the first point of care is a dermatologist, who identifies suspicious spots, performs biopsies, and often treats low-risk skin cancers. From there, additional specialists may become involved as care needs evolve.
Understanding the Different Roles on Your Care Team
Skin cancer care can involve a range of medical professionals, each with a specific area of expertise. These roles are often complementary, not redundant.
Some patients may work with dermatology nurse practitioners or physician assistants who support skin exams and minor procedures. Others may be referred to a Mohs surgeon for specialized surgery designed to remove cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
In more advanced or high-risk cases, care teams may expand to include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, or head and neck surgeons. Plastic or oculoplastic surgeons may also be involved when reconstruction is needed in delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas.
Why Knowing “Who Does What” Matters
When multiple specialists are involved, it can be difficult for patients and caregivers to understand who is responsible for which aspects of care. Knowing the role each provider plays can help patients feel more prepared, ask better questions, and navigate appointments with greater confidence.
Most skin cancers are low risk and treated entirely within dermatology. More complex cases may require coordination across specialties, especially when cancer has spread or requires additional therapies beyond surgery.
A Deeper Resource for Patients and Caregivers
We’ve created a detailed guide that walks through the different specialists who may be part of a skin cancer care team and explains when and why each one may be involved.
This guide lives in our Newly Diagnosed Hub, where we house our full library of medically reviewed resources for people affected by skin cancer.
