Dr. Shea on Dermatological Management in Melanoma

Christopher R. Shea, MD, the Eugene J. Van Scott Professor of Medicine, chief of the Section of Dermatology at The University of Chicago Medicine, discusses the dermatological management of melanoma.

The dermatologist has a very critical role in melanoma; although not in the management of metastatic disease. Shea describes them as the "gatekeepers of the entry point" for many patients. Typically, the dermatologist should diagnosis melanoma in its earliest stage, when it is confined to and presenting in the skin. This is the stage of disease in which it can be cured, in most cases, Shea adds.

After a melanoma diagnosis, it is imperative for dermatologists to monitor for local recurrence of disease within the skin or lymph nodes, as well as secondary primary melanomas. Having 1 melanoma does increase the risk of another one independently, he says. Finally, dermatologists also play an important role in early surgical management, diagnosis, and monitoring.