High-Risk Skin Cancer
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Our approach to high-risk skin cancer care
Our skilled team of dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons works together to provide comprehensive care for people with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Our experts focus on detecting and diagnosing skin cancer as early as possible, when it's easier to treat. We offer prompt treatment using the most effective approaches, such as topical medicines and Mohs micrographic surgery.
During Mohs surgery, we remove small amounts of tissue in layers so we can preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. This highly specialized procedure should only be performed by experienced Mohs surgeons. We explain your risk factors and make recommendations to help you prevent skin cancer.
Certain health conditions and medical treatments can make you more susceptible to skin cancer. These include:
Medications that suppress your immune system
Certain genetic syndromes, including basal cell nevus syndrome, Bazex syndrome, Rombo syndrome and xeroderma pigmentosum
Leukemia or lymphoma
Long-term HIV
Our approach to high-risk skin cancer care
Our skilled team of dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons works together to provide comprehensive care for people with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Our experts focus on detecting and diagnosing skin cancer as early as possible, when it's easier to treat. We offer prompt treatment using the most effective approaches, such as topical medicines and Mohs micrographic surgery.
During Mohs surgery, we remove small amounts of tissue in layers so we can preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. This highly specialized procedure should only be performed by experienced Mohs surgeons. We explain your risk factors and make recommendations to help you prevent skin cancer.
Certain health conditions and medical treatments can make you more susceptible to skin cancer. These include:
Medications that suppress your immune system
Certain genetic syndromes, including basal cell nevus syndrome, Bazex syndrome, Rombo syndrome and xeroderma pigmentosum
Leukemia or lymphoma
Long-term HIV
Get care
Excellence in patient care
Best in California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
Treatments
- Skin Cancer Screening
- Skin Biopsy
- Skin Cancer Surgery
- Excision of Malignant Lesions
Accreditations & memberships
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF Health a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.Commission on Cancer
UCSF Health's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world's top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
Research initiatives
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center ResearchOpens in a new window
UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.
Support services
Art for Recovery
Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.
Cancer Exercise Counseling
Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.
Cancer Nutrition Counseling
UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.
Cancer Support Groups
These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.
Core and More Class for Cancer Patients
A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!
Friend to Friend Specialty Shops
A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.
Meditation and Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients
Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.
Oncology Social Work
Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.
Patient & Family Cancer Support Center
The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.
Peer Support Programs for Cancer
Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."