Can a regular doctor remove skin cancer?

Have you spotted a strange mark on your skin and are wondering if a normal doctor could remove skin cancer, or if you have to visit a specialist? Well, the answer depends on a number of factors, such as the type of skin cancer, its size and where it is located. Let’s understand it!

Meet the Doctors: Who Does What?

Now, we’re going to talk about the different types of doctors that you might see in this journey.

1. General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor

• Your primary doctor for most health problems.
• They can inspect moles, lumps and bumps.
• If something looks suspicious, they may do a biopsy (take a small bit of the skin and send it to a lab to be tested).
• Repair very small and surface skin cancer, but most likely will refer you to a specialist.

2. Dermatologist (Skin Specialist)

• They are the skin specialist for all skin problems, including skin cancer.
• Can diagnose, treat, and sometimes remove certain types of skin cancer.
• Can perform special methods such as Mohs surgery (a precise removal of cancer with little removal of healthy skin).

3. Surgeon or Oncologist

• When the cancer goes too deep or spreads, a surgical oncologist or plastic surgeon may be called.
• They do more complicated cases, which include rebuilding ones.

Now that we have discussed the team, let’s get back to the big question you might be waiting for: Can a regular doctor remove skin cancer? Yes, but it depends on the cancer type.

Types Of Cancer

Skin cancer is not a one disease. It’s available in all shapes and sizes and thus requires different types of repairs.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – The Common One

• The most common of them all.
• Grows very slowly and is unlikely to spread.
• If small, a GP can remove it with a simple excision.
• Some can be treated with creams or freezing.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – The Sneaky One

• Can grow deeper and spread if not excised.
• GPs can remove small ones but usually refer the patient to a dermatologist or surgeon for larger ones.

3. Melanoma – The Serious One

• The most dangerous type.
• Can spread to the rest of the body if left undetected.
• Needs quick and specialized treatment—GPs don’t remove these.

How Does a Normal Doctor Remove Skin Cancer?

If a GP thinks they can handle it, they may use one of the following techniques:

1. Simple Excision

• The doctor numbs the area.
• Removes the cancer and some healthy skin surrounding it (so no cancer cells are left behind).
• Stitches it up and sends the tissue for testing.

2. Cryotherapy (Freezing)

• Freezes and kills the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.
• Ideal for very small, surface cancers.

3. Electrosurgery (Burning)

• Burns out the cancer cells with an electric current.
• Typically for skin cancers that are on the surface.

If the cancer is deeper or in a tricky area (such as the face), the GP will refer you to a dermatologist or surgeon to do more complicated procedures, including skin lesion removal.

When Should You Be Referred to a Specialist?

While GPs are great at detecting skin cancer early, they refer more complicated cases to experts. Here’s when a referral is a preferred:

• The cancer is large or in a sensitive spot (such as the eyelid, nose, or lips).
• It’s an aggressive type (such as melanoma).
• The cancer has spread beyond the skin.
• A previous excision didn’t get all the cancer cells out.

What Happens After Removal?

Even if a GP takes out the cancer, follow-up is required. Here’s why:

• To Make Sure It’s Gone – The tissue that’s taken out is sent to a lab to check if there are still cancer cells left.
• To Check for Return – Skin cancer can return, so you must have regular skin checks.
• To Avoid Future Cancer – Your doctor will give you sun protection and skin care tips.

Final Answer

Yes, a general doctor can remove skin cancer, but only in some cases. If the cancer is small, slow-growing, and not too deep, a GP can take it out. But for bigger, more serious ones, they’ll send you to a specialist.

Takeaway: Keep an Eye on Your Skin

No matter who takes out the cancer, early detection is the key. If you spot a suspicious spot, get it checked out sooner rather than later. A little problem today is much easier to deal with than a big one later!

Got an unusual mole or spot? Don’t wait—get that check-up!