Overview
Cleveland Clinic is recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Our Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Institute is one of the largest practices in the nation and is regarded as a leader in patient care and clinical research.
Cleveland Clinic’s Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Program consists of a multidisciplinary team of dermatologists, Mohs surgeons, pathologists, facial plastic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and others who work together to develop the optimal treatment plan for each patient. This means that in addition to recommending a treatment most likely to result in a cure, they consider the options that will have the least effect on important body functions and appearance.
As a result, patients not only get the highest standard of care but members of a team who are highly involved in all areas of research for skin cancer. This means state-of-the-art treatments, bringing hope to those who previously may have had limited options for their cancers.
We also offer patients reconstructive surgery options for those with large or complex skin cancer removals.
What We Treat
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of all cancers in the US, and the number of cases continues to rise. While healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way, skin cancer cells grow and divide in a rapid, haphazard manner. Although most skin cancers affect adults, our team also treats skin cancers in children.
The most common types of skin cancer are:
More rare tumors include:
- Merkel Cell carcinoma.
- Microcystic adnexal carcinoma.
- Mucinous carcinoma.
- Extramammary Paget’s Disease.
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
- Sebaceous carcinoma.
- Angiosarcoma.
- Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma.
- Other.
Treatment & Prevention
Prevention
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the stage of the cancer. Some types of treatment include the following:
- Surgery:
- Mohs micrographic surgery is used to treat high risk skin cancers. A scalpel is used to remove the tumor and thin layer of surrounding tissue, and the surgeon examines 100% percent of the margin under the microscope.
- Excisional surgery involves a surgeon removing the tumor and surrounding healthy skin with a standard margin.
- Curettage and electrosurgery uses an instrument to scrape away the tumor cells, followed by electrosurgery (most common utilized for superficial tumors in non-high risk locations).
- Cryosurgery involves freezing the tumor with liquid nitrogen.
- Topical chemotherapy/immunotherapy is sometimes used to treat superficial skin cancers or precancerous lesions.
- Radiation therapy.
Additional medical therapy and/or radiation therapy may be recommended if the cancer has a high risk for coming back in the same place or spreading beyond the skin to organs. If the cancer spreads beyond the skin to organs or surrounding tissue, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (a form of drug therapy), or immune therapy is often used.
For additional information
Support & Services
Patient services
In addition to offering state of the art diagnostic techniques and skin cancer treatment methods, our specialists also offer an array of resources that can help patients cope with the demands of cancer. Patients are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to ease the burden of managing cancer.
Clinical Trials & Research
Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center clinical trials offer patients important treatment options and access to the latest treatments and procedures resulting from cancer research.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials (or research studies) help us create the medicine of tomorrow. They provide hope through offering testing of new drugs, new surgical techniques or other treatments before they are widely available.
We can help you access hundreds of clinical trials across all specialty areas. Our new searchable online trials tool makes identifying treatment opportunities easier than ever.
Medical Professionals
Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute is committed to working with you to provide the best care for your patients. Our team is also dedicated to the training and education of medical professionals to advance cancer care and research.
Make an online referral
To make a direct online referral to Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, complete our Online Cancer Patient Referral Form or visit clevelandclinic.org/cancerpatientreferrals.
You will receive confirmation once the appointment is scheduled.
