Skin Cancer
Comprehensive Care for Skin Cancer at Hackensack Meridian Health
Skin cancer affects one in five people during their lifetime, but the good news is that early detection and proper treatment can lead to a cure. At Hackensack Meridian Health, our skin cancer experts lead in cutting-edge treatments, including immunotherapy for melanoma. No matter what type of skin cancer you have, you will benefit from our team’s unparalleled expertise in skin cancer diagnosis, surgery, and treatment, with a focus on preserving your appearance, function, and quality of life.
How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis is critical in developing an effective treatment plan. Your dermatologist will take a biopsy of the mole or lesion, and our dermatopathologists—experts in diagnosing skin diseases—will analyze the tissue for genetic mutations. This precision medicine approach allows us to match you with the most effective targeted therapies based on the biology of your skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Prevention and Screening
More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the U.S.—more than all other cancers combined. Sun exposure is the leading cause, making prevention and early detection the best defense. Here are the ABCs of skin cancer detection:
- Asymmetry: When one half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- Border: Irregular or ragged edges
- Color: Uneven colors, such as brown, black, or even pink, red, white, or blue
- Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser
If you notice any signs of skin cancer or need a skin cancer screening, our dermatologists are here to help.
Types of Skin Cancer we Treat:
Our specialists treat all types and stages of skin cancer, from early detection to metastatic disease.- The most common, slow-growing, and highly treatable form of skin cancer
- Typically found in sun-exposed areas
- Appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule
- More aggressive than basal cell but still highly treatable
- Often found on the face, ears, lips, and mouth
- May appear as red, scaly patches or nodules
- A smaller percentage of skin cancers, but responsible for the majority of deaths
- Can spread quickly and begins in pigment-producing cells
- May start as an abnormal mole that turns cancerous
- Rare, fast-growing cancer that appears as blue or red nodules
- Typically found on the face, head, or neck
- Rare tumors that form deep in soft tissue or muscle cells
- Includes types like dermatofibrosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma
Treatments for Skin Cancer
Most skin cancers are treated with surgery. Your care team will recommend the least invasive approach that achieves the best outcome.
