Doctor’s Visits and Medical Care
Choosing the right doctor can be difficult. The best advice you can give when helping your loved one choose a doctor is to encourage them to see a doctor who they are comfortable with and who has a lot of experience treating melanoma. Some or all of these people will be part of your treatment team:
Dermatologist — A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the broadest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair and nails. Seek a dermatologist who specializes in melanoma. Medical Oncologist — A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. A medical oncologist often is the main healthcare provider for someone who has cancer. He or she may also give supportive care and coordinate treatment given by other specialists. Oncology Nurse — A nurse who specializes in treating and caring for people who have cancer. Ocular Oncologist — An eye cancer physician who provides comprehensive care for patients with eye tumors. Ocular oncologists are trained in ophthalmology and have completed specialized training in eye cancers. Ocular oncologists diagnose, treat and research a variety of malignancies that include the eye, eyelid and surrounding tissue. Oncology Social Worker/Counselor — A person with a master’s degree in social work who works with cancer patients. The oncology social worker/ counselor provides counseling and assistance. Ophthalmologist — A medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye diseases and is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research in eye diseases and disorders.
Optometrist — A health professional who provides primary vision care, sight testing and management of vision changes. An optometrist can perform eye exams, vision tests and detect certain eye abnormalities. An optometrist does not perform surgery. Pathologist — A specialist in pathology who interprets and diagnoses the changes caused by disease in tissues and body fluids. Patient Navigator — A healthcare professional whose primary focus is to assist cancer patients, caregivers and families in “bridging the gaps” within the healthcare system and decreasing barriers to care by utilizing resources. Plastic Surgeon — A surgeon who specializes in reducing scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of accidents, birth defects or treatment for diseases. Psychiatrist — A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Psychologist — Someone who studies the mind and behavior of humans and other animals. Radiation Oncologist — A doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer patients using radiation therapy as the main modality of treatment. Surgical Oncologist — A doctor who performs biopsies and other surgical procedures in cancer patients.
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