Skin cancer care

When you choose cancer centers and dermatology clinics at Ascension sites of care, you get a care team that is part of a national network.  Our experienced  dermatologists and cancer doctors  share  best practices and the latest in skin cancer treatment  and research  – bringing the best of cancer care  to you. Every appointment with your dermatologist or cancer care team starts with a compassionate conversation. Your doctor answers your questions and gets to know you. So, you get a personalized cancer care plan. And with a plan, comes hope. We will help you navigate your care and will be by your side every step of the day, connecting the dots. Our goal is to help you get back to home, family, life and self sooner. 

 

Comprehensive care for all types of skin cancer 

Skin cancer may begin anywhere on your skin from head to toe and can affect people of any skin tone. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor, and you’ll have an entire team dedicated to your care. Diagnosing skin cancer starts with a comprehensive dermatologic exam. Our highly trained dermatologists and surgical oncologists have the expertise to deliver treatment plans that are customized for your type of cancer, including: 

• Actinic keratosis (precancerous skin cells)
• Basal cell carcinoma (cancer that starts in the outermost layers of skin)
• Melanoma (cancer that begins in cells that control pigment of your skin)
• Merkel cell carcinoma (rare and aggressive skin cancer found in top layer of skin close to nerve endings)
• Squamous cell cancer (cancer that starts in the thin flat cells on surface of skin or lining of organs, intestines or airways)

 
Whenever possible, minimally invasive procedures will be recommended and may mean a faster recovery. At Ascension sites of care, we deliver convenient in-office procedures, including:

• Cryotherapy to scrape away cancer cells
• Cryosurgery (a less-invasive, freezing technique using liquid nitrogen)
• Excisional surgery
• Immunotherapy for advanced skin cancer
• Laser surgery
• Mohs surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Topical chemotherapy to treat skin cancer

Mohs surgery for skin cancer

At Ascension sites of care, we provide Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs is an advanced surgical technique performed by experienced dermatologists. Your doctor  removes thin layers of skin, evaluating each layer under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains.  Benefits of this procedure include:

• Surgery and pathology analysis are done at the dermatology clinic
• Healthy tissue is spared
• Microscopic surgery can mean less scarring

As a follow-up to skin cancer surgery, talk to your doctor about cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery. Plastic surgery techniques are often part of Mohs surgery to help reconstruct cosmetically sensitive areas, restore function and help reduce scarring. Laser surgery can also be used to help remove scars after surgery.

Team approach helps navigate tests and support services

Along the way, your care may require lab, imaging and pharmacy support – you do not have to navigate your care alone. Your care team will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services, and answer your questions. From your first consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your doctor will stay connected through in-person and virtual visits. When you come into the clinic for your appointments, know that we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care. 
 
For advanced-stage disease, talk to your doctor about cancer clinical trials.

Compassionate multidisciplinary team approach to skin cancer care

Your doctor and care team work together with you on a care plan. First, you will meet with your doctor and care team to discuss your diagnosis and your care options. Your doctor will answer your questions – big and small – paying attention to your needs and those of your caregivers, including your mental and emotional health. Your care may include advanced skin procedures and therapeutic treatment options from a team of specialists, including dermatologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, cancer pathologists and other cancer specialists. And your entire care team stays connected to discuss your treatment and progress. As your care needs change, we’re ready to support you.

Screenings to help detect skin cancer early

Using sunscreen and protective clothing helps prevent skin cancer. Getting a regular skin cancer screening may help find cancer early, when it is most treatable. Early detection may allow for more options for treatment too. Many people who have one skin cancer diagnosis have more skin cancer diagnosed during their lifetime. Talk with your doctor if you have been previously diagnosed with skin cancer or other types of cancer, or are in remission. Screenings and other preventive care may be an ongoing part of your skin cancer care. Talk with your doctor about the right timing for screenings. If you need help finding a doctor, start here.

Get a second opinion on your skin cancer diagnosis or care plan

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension sites of care. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan. 

When you are facing a new skin cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

Financial assistance and support is available

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.