Which Health Professionals Will I See?
After a melanoma diagnosis, you may be cared for by a range of health professionals who specialize in different aspects of your treatment, especially if you have a melanoma with a Breslow thickness greater than 1mm, or if the melanoma has spread. These professionals are often referred to as a cancer care team. Your team may include some or all of the health professionals described in the table below, depending on the severity of your melanoma and the treatment center at which you are seen:
| Health Professional | Role |
|---|---|
| GP (General Practitioner) | Assists with treatment decisions and works with your specialists to provide ongoing care |
| Dermatologist | Specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, including melanoma |
| General surgeon | Performs surgery to remove the melanoma; skin reconstruction; and surgery on the lymph nodes |
| Reconstructive (plastic) surgeon | Specializes in complex skin reconstruction |
| Surgical oncologist | Specialist cancer surgeon; removes melanomas and conducts more complex surgery on the lymph nodes and other organs |
| Medical oncologist | Specializes in treating cancer with drug therapies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy |
| Radiation oncologist | Prescribes and coordinates the course of radiotherapy |
| Nurse | Administers treatment and provides care and support throughout your treatment |
| Cancer care coordinator | Coordinates your care, liaises with other members of your team and supports your family |
| Counselor, social worker, psychologist | Your link to support services, provides emotional support and helps manage anxiety and depression |
| Palliative care team | Specializes in pain and symptom control to maximize well-being and improve quality of life |