Melanoma and Skin Cancer

We treat both early and advanced skin cancers. Our program also identifies, treats and counsels patients at high risk.

Experts from across many disciplines treat our melanoma and skin-cancer patients. We offer expert pathologic diagnosis of skin disorders, and get patients in to see our physicians quickly.

What are Melanoma and Skin Cancer Symptoms?

• A change in the shape, size or color of a mole or other skin growth including birthmarks.

• Red tender flat spots that bleed easily.

• Small fleshy bump with a pearly, smooth appearance - often with a depressed center.

• A patch of skin (usually on the face) that looks like a scar.

• A bump that itches, bleeds, crusts over and does not heal.

• Skin growth that looks like a wart.

• A sore that does not heal.

​What are Types of Skin Cancer?

Melanoma is a cancer that arises from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin or, much less commonly, in the eye or in other areas not exposed to the sun. As with skin cancers in general, exposure to ultraviolet light (eg sun, tanning booths) is an important causative factor; however, not all melanomas arise as a result of sun exposure. While early diagnosis and surgery cure the majority of patients, melanoma can spread to other organs in the body, requiring a tailored surveillance strategy after surgery and detailed multidisciplinary management to prevent and to treat disease recurrence.

Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are by far the most common of all cancers. These cancers commonly emerge in chronically sun-damaged or injured skin. These cancers are most often readily cured by surgery alone. A minority of patients can have multiple skin cancers or a more serious clinical course - especially patients who are chronically immunocompromised (eg, after a transplant procedure or after exposure to immunosuppressive drugs or immunosuppressive illnesses).

​What are Treatments for Skin Cancer?

• Surgery.

• Chemotherapy.

• Immunotherapy.

• Radiation therapy.

• Targeted therapy.

• Topical therapy.

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT).
  

What are Risk Factors for Skin Cancer​?

• Exposure to the sun's UV rays.

• Blistered sunburns.

• Use of sun lamps or tanning beds.

• Fair skin.

• Personal or family history of melanoma.

• Numerous moles or more than one atypical mole.

• Exposure to strong X-rays.

How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed​?

A skin-cancer diagnosis requires a biopsy, a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed and examined under a microscope.