Melanoma

Dermatologists are also best able to diagnose melanomas (a potentially fatal skin cancer). If caught early, only localized excision is necessary. If more advanced, other specialists are consulted to help determine the best course of treatment. Advanced melanoma usually has a poor prognosis. Once melanoma has spread to other areas, radiation and chemotherapy are usually not very effective. Therefore, early detection is extremely important.

Equally important, dermatologists can best determine when a biopsy is not necessary, thereby sparing the patient unnecessary procedures.