Oncology or Dermatology ?

[Dollie]

My friend has a mole on her nose which recently appears to have changed shape and size. Her doc has referred her to an oncologist and she is waiting for that appointment. I thought that oncologists were specialists in cancer treatment, and I would have expected her to be referred to a dermatologist in the first instance - does anyone have any comments please?

[spacechimp]

He may be sure that the mole is cancerous, in which case a dermatologist would be an unnecessary waste of time.

[rachela500]

Dermatologists deal with skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis etc.

I would think referral to an oncologist for an abnormal mole would be normal procedure.

[Eels]

Dermatologists deal with skin complaints, and while this may seem relevant to your friend's case, she has experienced neoplasia. Neoplasia is just 'new growth' - not necessarily cancerous, but more relevant to an oncologist than to a dermatologist, if you follow me.

Often cases are referred or rereferred a few times between specialists, so don't worry too much.

[Dollie]

Sorry - forgot to mention - doc told her that he didn't think it was anything to worry about but decided to refer her anyway - cheers