Can your regular doctor tell if you have skin cancer?
A general practitioner can take an initial look at a suspicious spot, but a dermatologist is the specialist best equipped to evaluate skin concerns properly.
Here's what a skin check typically involves:
- Visual exam ā A doctor looks at any new, changing, or unusual spots Show Full Answer
Can your regular doctor tell if you have skin cancer?
A general practitioner can take an initial look at a suspicious spot, but a dermatologist is the specialist best equipped to evaluate skin concerns properly.
Here's what a skin check typically involves:
- Visual exam ā A doctor looks at any new, changing, or unusual spots on your skin
- Dermoscopy ā A special magnifying tool with a light for a closer look at suspicious areas
- Biopsy ā If something looks concerning, a small skin sample is removed and sent to a lab for analysis
If your regular doctor notices something worth investigating, they will likely refer you to a dermatologist. It's always worth getting a specialist's eyes on anything that worries you ā better safe than sorry!
September 17