Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers

Melanoma and skin cancers affect the tissues of the skin in various ways, depending on the cancer type. Doctors classify skin cancers as either melanoma or non-melanoma.

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. There are about 76,250 new melanoma cases each year in the United States.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center cares for people with all types of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

We offer:

• Complete diagnostic services.
• Leading-edge skin cancer treatments.
• Supportive care for our patients and their loved ones.

What are Melanoma and Skin Cancer?

Cancer is the result of quick and abnormal cell growth.

When skin cells suffer damage from ultraviolet light, mutations can occur. These mutations can cause the skin cells to multiply out of control and form malignant tumors.

Melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

It's often hard to detect in its early stages. And, melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body through the lymph or circulatory systems, making it tough to treat.

Non-melanoma skin cancers

Non-melanoma skin cancers affect other cells in the skin. Most are easy to detect, because they cause a growth or other mark on the skin.

Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas account for 95 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Other types include:

• Merkel cell carcinoma — this form of non-melanoma skin cancer is rare and aggressive.
• Dysplastic nevi — these atypical moles are not really skin cancer. They're benign growths that resemble melanoma.

Why Choose UPMC for Melanoma and Skin Cancer Care?

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program's multidisciplinary team addresses the various aspects of skin cancer in a coordinated way. We care for the whole patient — not just the cancer.

The program's approach to patient care joins the expertise of specialists in:

• Dermatology
• Pathology
• Medical, radiation, and surgical oncology

Your team will work with you and your referring doctor to tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs. We'll include advanced therapies and skin cancer clinical trials to provide the best possible results.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region recognized by the National Cancer Institute.

This means many of our patients have access to advanced skin cancer treatments that may not be available elsewhere through clinical trials.

Contact the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program

To learn more about melanoma and skin cancer care at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, please call us at 412-647-2811.