purpose of efficiency and economy; or 2) the patient simply gets inadequate
care. Neither outcome is acceptable. Therefore, rather than focusing on
the title and specialty of the healthcare provider, you should try to find
a physician who has shown expertise, personal interest, dedication, and
leadership in the care of patients with cutaneous lymphoma, regardless
of his or her specialty. In some cases it will be a dermatologist, in others
an oncologist. Once found, that person will be your “captain,” “steward,”
and “advocate” and will help coordinate your care with any other relevant
specialist. Basic rule: one leader.
The only better alternative to this scenario is the ideal situation of a
multidisciplinary clinic, where the entire team of doctors is wholly
focused and dedicated to the care of patients with cutaneous lymphoma.
Multidisciplinary clinics, by definition, have an oncologist and a
dermatologist on site, both in a leading role, in addition to a large number
of additional supporting staff. Such clinics, unfortunately, are available only
in a small number of selected cancer centers.
A Patient’s Guide to Understanding
Cutaneous Lymphoma
26
