University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Physicians Treat the Full Spectrum of Skin Cancer Diseases

At UH Seidman Cancer Center, our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience in detecting and treating melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Our ability to quickly determine the type of disease and its severity helps us select the most effective treatment plan. UH doctors and skin care specialists work together to tailor skin cancer treatment to each patient’s individual needs.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The disease can affect only the patient’s skin or it can spread to his or her lymph nodes and other organs. Our physicians categorize this condition into one of four types:

  • Superficial spreading melanoma: is the most common form of the disease and generally originates in a pre-existing mole.
  • Nodular melanoma: is the second most common type and is more aggressive than superficial spreading melanoma.
  • Lentigo maligna melanoma: appears as large, flat lesions and is most commonly found on the faces of light-skinned women over the age of 50.
  • Acral lentiginous melanoma: occurs on the palms, soles of the feet or beneath the nail beds.

Other forms of skin cancer are more common than melanoma and are easier to treat if detected early. In fact, patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer may receive outpatient treatment for their condition.

Types of nonmelanoma skin cancers include:

  • Basal cell carcinoma: is caused by sun exposure and is the most common form of skin cancer; this slow-growing cancer develops in the lower layer of the epidermis and may appear as a skin bump or growth.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: appears as a pink, red or fleshy growth, often with whitish scales on the skin; this cancer is more likely to spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs.
  • Merkel cell cancer: is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that appears as red-purple nodules, usually on the face, legs or arms.