Your health care team

If you notice any changes to your skin, there are a number of health professionals you can see.

Learn more about:

• General practitioner
• Dermatologist
• Surgeon
• Radiation oncologist
• Skin cancer clinics

General practitioner (GP)

A GP treats most people with skin cancer. Treatment may include surgery and/or creams or gels (topical treatments).

You will be referred to a dermatologist or surgeon if necessary.

Dermatologist

This is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats skin conditions, including skin cancer. They can perform general and cosmetic surgery and prescribe topical treatments.

Surgeon

Some skin cancers are treated by specialised surgeons:

• surgical oncologists can manage complex skin cancers, including those that have spread to the lymph nodes
• plastic surgeons are trained in complex reconstructive techniques for more difficult to treat areas such as the nose, lips, eyelids and ears.

Radiation oncologist

Treats cancer by prescribing and coordinating the course of radiation therapy.

Should I go to a skin cancer clinic?

Skin cancer clinics offer a variety of services and fee arrangements. They are usually operated by GPs who have an interest in skin cancer. Research shows that clinics may not offer a higher level of skill than your GP. In deciding whether to attend a skin clinic, consider the following points:

• the qualifications and experience of the medical staff – this includes whether they are members of a professional association related to treating skin cancer
• what you will have to pay – some clinics bulk-bill for the initial consultation but require up-front payment for further appointments or surgery (which may not be subsidised by Medicare); others require up-front payment for all appointments
• the range of services offered
• the follow-up provided.

Cancer Council does not operate or recommend any skin cancer clinics, and does not recommend particular specialists.