Shortage of dermatologists: Occitanie physiotherapists trained to detect melanomas

A unique experience in Occitanie , for the past four months, 13 physiotherapists in the region have been screening for suspicious moles. This experiment should help address the shortage of dermatologists .

These healthcare professionals have been trained to spot potential melanomas on their patients' skin. "If we notice that a mole has a slightly asymmetrical shape or slightly chiseled edges, we will examine it with a dermatoscope," explains François Marfaing, who is part of the experiment.

The dermatoscope is a magnifying lens that allows the physiotherapist to photograph suspicious moles. Once the photo is taken, it is sent to a general practitioner or dermatologist for examination.

"I'm not a dermatologist, but we see skin all day long. So it's important that all physiotherapists have this foundation to help patients with the early detection of melanoma," says François Marfaing.

This experiment is well received by patients. "I find it interesting given that it's becoming increasingly difficult to access a dermatology consultation," emphasizes one of François Marfaing's patients.

In the region, it takes between three and six months to get an appointment with a dermatologist. "That's already three or six months lost for the patient," laments Patrick Saut, president of the Occitanie Regional Union of Physiotherapists.

"These cancers metastasize very quickly," he adds.

"The earlier a melanoma is detected, the earlier it is operated on, the chances of survival are much greater," he insists. A review of the experiment will be carried out in the autumn before considering extending the system.