Programs and Services

Multidisciplinary Melanoma Program

Multidisciplinary Care for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Melanoma
Today, many types of skin cancer are on the rise. One of the most serious types of skin cancer is called malignant melanoma. The Melanoma Program at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment for individuals who are newly diagnosed with melanoma or have a history of the disease, or who are at high risk for developing melanoma in the future. Participating faculty include Upendra Hegde, M.D. We also provide a holistic approach to treatment which incorporates both medical and emotional care and support for each and every patient.

Why a Multidisciplinary Approach Is So Important
Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the skin. Therefore, the diagnosis is made by a complete skin examination. If diagnosed and treated early, melanomas are often curable. However, if left untreated or diagnosed in a later stage, melanomas have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Because of these ongoing risks and potential complications, optimal care requires coordination of care between a variety of specialties, which may include:

• Dermatology
• Dermatopathology/Surgical Pathology
• Surgery
• Medical Oncology

There are also hereditary syndromes in which a patient can have a family history of melanoma and multiple pigmented lesions on the skin that put them at a higher risk for developing this form of cancer. These patients require close monitoring to detect any changes as early as possible.

Full Services for the Care and Treatment of Melanoma
Comprehensive services, available through our outpatient area or hospital, include:

• Complete medical and dermatological and surgical evaluation.
• Diagnosis of suspicious skin lesions.
• Pathological review of skin biopsies by dermatologists, surgical pathologists and dermatopathologists.
• Surgical treatment of melanomas.
• Sentinel node biopsy.
• Whole body digital photography of pigmented lesions to provide a baseline for early detection of melanoma.
• Genetic counseling.
• Multidisciplinary follow-up for patients with a history of melanoma.
• Adjuvant medical therapy for high-risk melanoma patients.
• Standard treatment options for advanced melanoma investigational therapies for melanoma, including tumor vaccines.

Education and Information to Prevent Skin Cancer
In addition to diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, an important part of our mission is to educate the public about the warning signs of skin cancer, how to do a self-skin examination and sun protective measures.

For further information or to arrange for a consultation with the Multidisciplinary Melanoma Program, please call the Department of Dermatology at 860-679-4600.