Deciding where to get screened and treated for skin cancer is an important decision that requires careful evaluation. With many options out there, it can be challenging to determine which skin cancer clinic like SunDoctors truly stands out from the rest. After dealing with this choice myself, we wanted to share the 7 most important factors we learned to focus on when picking a dermatology office for skin cancer care.
Experience Level
First and foremost, you want a clinic with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all types of skin cancer cases. Ask how long they have been operating and how many patients they see annually specifically for skin cancer. Look for many years of experience and high patient volumes indicating their established expertise. An experienced clinic has likely seen every type of mole and growth imaginable, so nothing takes them by surprise. They also have more evidence of successful outcomes to back up their recommended treatment plans.
Access to Mohs Surgery
For certain complex or high-risk skin cancers like those on the nose, ears or eyelids, Mohs surgery is often the most effective removal method. This technique involves surgically removing cancerous tissue layer-by-layer while assessing each layer until achieving clean margins. Make sure your clinic offers Mohs surgery on-site so you don’t have to go elsewhere if this specialized procedure is needed.
Skin Cancer Focus
You want a clinic that specializes in skin cancer and dermatology specifically, rather than one that treats all types of cancers or general medicine. This focused expertise ensures the latest advancements in early detection, prevention and treatment are applied to your care. Ask what percentage of the clinic’s patients are seen for skin cancer to assess their focus level.
Accessibility
Evaluate how soon you can get appointments scheduled for screenings, biopsies or treatment. Busy, overloaded clinics mean lengthy delays in care, which is problematic with any cancer. A clinic dedicated to skin cancer will accommodate you swiftly so any concerning moles or growths aren’t neglected. This includes easy access to follow-up appointments to check treatment sites.
Personalized Care
The vibe you get interacting with the staff and providers matters too. Look for a clinic that treats you in a welcoming, compassionate manner and answers all your questions thoroughly, not one with rushed, impersonal visits. It should feel like they customize care to your needs, not take a one-size-fits-all approach. This ensures you receive the appropriate screening frequency, mole mapping and treatment plan for your unique skin cancer risks.
Technology and Equipment
Look for clinics utilizing advanced technology and equipment to aid detection and removal. Things like dermatoscopes to closely inspect moles for irregularities, high-resolution imaging to track mole changes over time, and lasers for quick, non-invasive treatment help provide top-notch care. State-of-the-art facilities demonstrate their commitment to cutting-edge skin cancer medicine.
Patient Resources
Evaluate what resources and support the clinic offers patients beyond visits. Things like online patient portals to message doctors, educational materials on prevention and self-checks, skin cancer screening event reminders, and assistance identifying risk factors based on your history and moles. Helpful resources empower you with greater knowledge and convenient ways to engage in your care between appointments.
Conclusion
Doing your homework on these aspects helps find a clinic that checks all the boxes when it comes to capable, convenient skin cancer care. Let us know if you have any other factors we should consider when choosing a dermatology office for skin cancer screening and treatment.
