If you have been referred to a specialist by your general healthcare provider, you may be wondering just exactly what a skin cancer treatment specialist does. How can a skin cancer specialist in Washington, DC help you? Let’s take a look!
What Does a Skin Cancer Specialist in Washington, DC Do?
Your general practitioner may be the one who diagnoses you with skin cancer. However, then they may refer you to a skin cancer specialist to ensure you get the best care. This type of provider has many specific skills for diagnosing, treating, and preventing all types of cancer, including melanoma.
How Does a Skin Cancer Provider Diagnose Your Condition?
Primarily, your specialist will perform a full physical evaluation, or skin check, to carefully look at your skin. If they find any parts of your skin that are an odd color or texture, they will note it and potentially take a biopsy.
There are various ways to perform this biopsy. The suspicious spot of the skin may be fully removed. Alternatively, a few layers of the skin may be all that is taken. This sample will be tested to see if it is cancerous. Then, if it is cancerous, further tests will be carried out. These tests can help you find out what kind of cancer it is and what stage the cancer is in.
What Treatments Does a Skin Cancer Provider Offer?
Depending on the type diagnosed, your treatment can include one of a combination of the following: Mohs surgery, chemotherapy, superficial radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.
Find the Area’s Best Skin Specialists Right Here at Mid-Atlantic Skin Surgery Institute!
Now you know what a skin cancer specialist in Washington, DC does. So, are you are ready to find a good specialist for you? Here, at Mid-Atlantic, we work to provide every patient with wonderful care. To make an appointment, call us at 301-396-3401.