Title:Managing Skin Malignancies- How Family Doctors, Plastic Surgeons, and Dermatologists Can Help
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Author(s): A. Steve, P. Chang, P. Tai, T. Bradel and E. Yu
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Dermatology, plastic surgery, primary care, reconstruction, skin, surgery.
Abstract: Skin cancer is common. General practitioners, general surgeons, dermatologists,
and plastic surgeons all play a role in the management of cutaneous malignancies. Because
patients are in contact with their primary care physicians more frequently, primary care
physicians are instrumental in early detection and non-surgical management. Additionally,
patient survival is statistically improved when a dermatologist is involved in patient care.
Significant overlap in scope of practice exists, particularly between plastic surgeons and
dermatologists. Either specialty may perform wide local excision or Mohs microsurgery as
the definitive surgical management for skin cancers. A review of reconstructive challenges
by region may act as a guide for which cases may ultimately require the expertise of a reconstructive
surgeon.
