Digital photography as a means of enhancing interconsultant communication in oncological cutaneous surgery.

Abstract

Plastic surgeons have associated themselves closely with photography almost since the inception of medical photography. Photographs are used for documentation of medical records and comparison of pre- and postoperative status. Digital photography allows instant picture viewing and printing as well as Web-based mailing and, as a result, it facilitates interconsultant communication between the dermatologist, surgeon, and pathologist during the surgical treatment of cutaneous neoplasms. Moreover, it enhances patient monitoring during long-term follow-up.