Skin Cancer

Advanced skin cancer care at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion

We combine the latest technology with a highly experienced multidisciplinary team to diagnose and treat skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Our expertise spans every stage of care, from screening and early detection to advanced treatment and long-term survivorship.

Our melanoma and skin cancer specialists meet regularly to review cases, explore innovative treatment options, and incorporate the latest research into patient care. With access to clinical trials and a deep understanding of skin cancer biology, we ensure that each patient benefits from personalized, evidence-based treatment plans.

Understanding skin cancer

Skin cancers develop in different types of skin cells, and each type requires a specialized approach to treatment. Our team is experienced in identifying and managing all forms of skin cancer and provides comprehensive care for every diagnosis.

Melanoma

Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, including uncommon locations such as under fingernails, on the palms, or on the soles of the feet. Our specialists understand the complexities of melanoma, including its potential to spread (metastasize), and provide treatments tailored to its unique behavior. Whether it’s early-stage melanoma or advanced cases, we offer the knowledge and resources needed to manage this serious form of skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer, typically developing in sun-exposed areas like the face. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, but without treatment, it can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues. Our team offers expert surgical and nonsurgical treatments to remove basal cell carcinoma while minimizing its impact on appearance and function.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma can appear on sun-exposed areas in lighter-skinned individuals or in less exposed areas, such as the legs or feet, in darker-skinned individuals. This cancer can grow aggressively if untreated, but our team is skilled in managing both localized and advanced cases. Using advanced diagnostic tools and proven therapies, we treat squamous cell carcinoma with precision and care.

At the LCRP, we understand the nature of skin cancer and its potential to spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Our expertise in identifying and addressing these risks ensures that patients receive comprehensive, proactive care at every stage.

Prevention and screening

Preventing and catching skin cancer early is critical to improving outcomes. Our expertise in prevention and screening is backed by advanced technologies and years of experience guiding patients to protect their skin.

  • Sunscreen recommendations: To reduce your risk, we advise using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and encourage products with built-in SPF, such as makeup and moisturizers.
  • Self-exams: Regular self-checks for changing moles, freckles, or lesions are a simple but effective way to catch early warning signs.
  • Routine screenings: Ask your primary care provider or dermatologist to do proactive screening exams.

Our team is here to support you in every aspect of prevention, whether through education, routine screenings or follow-up care for survivors. We treat skin cancer at every stage and work with patients to reduce their risk of recurrence.

For Patients & Families

Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, or you are beginning to undergo treatment, the road to cancer remission can be a scary and stressful experience. The expert cancer team at the LCRP strongly believes in providing compassionate care in a supportive environment. 

Explore some of our helpful services below:

Treatment options for skin cancer

Surgical treatments

Surgical intervention is often the cornerstone of skin cancer treatment. Our experienced surgical team offers a range of procedures tailored to the type and stage of your cancer, ensuring optimal results and a clear path to recovery.

  • Wide excision: This procedure removes cancerous cells along with a margin of healthy tissue to prevent recurrence. Surgeons at our facility are highly skilled in ensuring thorough removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
  • Skin grafts: When surgery creates larger wounds, we use skin grafts from other parts of the body to promote healing and restore appearance.
  • Mohs surgery: This precise technique removes cancerous layers while sparing healthy tissue in basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Surgeons with expertise in Mohs surgery and reconstructive techniques ensures the best functional and cosmetic outcomes.
  • Lymphadenectomy: If melanoma has spread to lymph nodes, we perform lymph node dissections to remove affected nodes and reduce the risk of further spread. We accurately identify and treat affected areas with advanced imaging and diagnostic tools.

This surgical expertise allows us to confidently handle complex cases, giving patients peace of mind and the best chance at a full recovery.

Additional treatment options

Beyond surgery, we provide a full spectrum of treatments to address every aspect of skin cancer:

  • Chemotherapy: Our team uses powerful medications to target rapidly dividing cancer cells, ensuring that treatment is effective against aggressive forms of skin cancer.
  • Radiation therapy: We employ advanced radiation techniques to eliminate cancerous cells while minimizing side effects.
  • Immunotherapy: By harnessing the power of the immune system, we offer innovative treatments that help your body fight cancer more effectively.
  • Targeted therapy: Using drugs that interfere with specific molecules involved in tumor growth, we deliver precision treatments tailored to each patient's cancer profile.
  • Clinical trials: As leaders in cancer research, we provide access to groundbreaking therapies through clinical trials. Patients at our center benefit from treatments that are shaping the future of skin cancer care.

Every treatment option we offer reflects our deep understanding of skin cancer and our commitment to providing the highest standard of care.

 

 

The Skin Cancer Team

The skilled professionals at the LCRP ensure that every patient receives personalized care and access to the latest advancements in skin cancer treatment.

Contact Us

For more information about our skin cancer services, call 912-819-5704. For a referral to a specialist, please call 912-819-4673 (HOPE). With our experience, resources, and commitment to excellence, we are here to guide you through your skin cancer journey.