Comprehensive Cancer Care

Melanoma and Skin Cancers

The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program at UI Health specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancer — from simple moles to various skin cancers that can affect your whole body.

Our team of specialists provide comprehensive, compassionate care to patients with all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma, porocarcinoma, and sebaceous carcinoma. Our skin cancer team consists of specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, dermatology, dermatopathology, and ophthalmology, and we use innovative technologies to diagnose and treat skin cancer.

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We provide a full skin examination to assess any spots or lesions on the skin. Using advanced imaging technology, suspicious moles and lesions can be scanned, photographed, and recorded for accurate monitoring and follow-up. From traditional surgeries to clinical trials of innovative drug therapies, we offer a full range of effective treatment options.

About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of unusual skin cells. It is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. However, it has a high cure rate when it is detected and treated properly before it can spread. That is why it is recommended to have annual skin screening checks with your dermatologist.

These are the most common types of skin cancer:

• Actinic keratosis: The earliest stage of skin cancer.
• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, it occurs in places usually exposed to sun.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: The second most common type of skin cancer.
• Melanoma: It frequently develops in a mole or appears suddenly as a new dark spot on the skin.

About Melanoma

Melanoma of the skin (cutaneous melanoma) is the most serious form of skin cancer. It develops from melanocytes in the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.

Melanoma can happen to anyone, regardless of skin color, anywhere on the skin, nail bed, eyes, or mucous membranes, and very rarely in internal organs.

• All cutaneous melanomas appear as a new or changing spot, bump, mass, patch or freckle.
• The deadliest form of melanoma, may be red or evenly black, round and have a consistent color.
• A very common site for cutaneous melanoma for both men and women is the torso.