Melanoma & Skin Cancer Center

Our team

Our skin cancer program brings together doctors from many specialties. Working collaboratively, they ensure our patients receive complete care that includes access to an array of treatment options. Our world-renowned team has the following types of subspecialists:

• Medical dermatologists – who diagnose and treat a range of skin conditions
• Surgical dermatologists – who provide surgical treatment for skin conditions
• Dermatopathologists – experts in identifying cancers through microscopic examination of samples
• Medical oncologists – experts in treating cancer with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other therapies
• Radiation oncologists – specialists in the various radiation therapies used to treat cancer
• Surgical oncologists – specialists in surgical treatment of cancer
• Otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons – specialists in surgically treating head and neck cancers
• Reconstructive surgeons – who perform procedures to repair and reshape damaged parts of the face or body

Also on our team are nurses and nurse practitioners, genetic counselors, psycho-oncologists, social workers, nutritionists and exercise counselors. All have special training in cancer care, including how to support and educate patients and their families.

Diagnosis and treatment

Our program emphasizes early diagnosis, because the earlier a skin cancer is detected, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment. We perform skin exams using dermatoscopes, handheld instruments that help us to distinguish cancerous lesions from noncancerous lesions with greater accuracy than eyes alone. We may also use digital dermoscopic photography (taking images with the dermatoscope) to closely track suspicious lesions over time.

We offer the full range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. When possible, we target the patient's specific cancer. Our dermatopathologists test melanomas for certain genetic mutations – such as BRAF, NRAS, KIT, GNAQ and GNA11 – to help us determine the most effective treatment for an individual patient. Our program holds a weekly tumor board meeting that allows multiple specialists to discuss complex cases and reach consensus on treatment recommendations.

Research and clinical trials

Our experts are leading clinical trials to evaluate some of the most innovative and promising new treatments for melanoma and other aggressive skin cancers. Interested patients may have the opportunity to participate.