Skin Cancer Medicine
I would like to Specialise in Skin Cancer
A Skin Cancer Doctor in Australia, also known as a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist, is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is a common condition in Australia due to the country's high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and skin cancer doctors play an important role in detecting and treating this disease.
The specific duties of a skin cancer doctor in Australia may include:
-
Diagnosis: Examining patients to identify skin cancers and precancerous conditions, such as actinic keratoses, and determining the best course of treatment. This may involve taking a biopsy or ordering imaging tests.
-
Treatment: Performing skin cancer surgeries, such as excisions and skin grafts, and prescribing medications, such as topical creams or photodynamic therapy.
-
Follow-up Care: Monitoring patients' progress after treatment and providing ongoing care and support.
-
Prevention: Providing advice and education on sun protection and skin cancer prevention, including the importance of regular skin checks and the use of sun-protective measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunblock.
Skin cancer doctors in Australia work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and clinics, and they may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as general practitioners and oncologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with skin cancer.
Is a GP a Skin Cancer Doctor?
General practitioners (GPs) are not specifically trained in dermatology, but they are qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, including some skin conditions.
In Australia, GPs are the first point of contact for many patients with skin problems, and they are often able to diagnose and manage common skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and fungal infections.
However, GPs may refer patients with more complex or suspicious skin conditions, such as suspected skin cancer, to a skin cancer doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment. Dermatologists are medical doctors who have completed specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, including skin cancer, and they have a more in-depth understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the skin.
In Australia, GPs and dermatologists often work together to provide comprehensive care for patients with skin conditions, with the GP providing ongoing care and support, and the dermatologist providing specialist services as needed.