The most effective treatment for skin cancer depends on a number of factors unique to the patient, such as the type and stage of cancer, size and location of the tumor and the patient’s overall health. At Moffitt Cancer Center, a multispecialty team of experts develops a treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. In the Cutaneous Oncology Program, our team specializes in all areas of skin cancer, including dermatology, dermatopathology, radiology, surgery, radiation oncology and more. These experts use their combined knowledge and experience to develop a highly individualized course of treatment that is designed to give each patient the highest quality of life and produce the best possible outcome.

At Moffitt, treatment plans for skin cancer most commonly include one of several different surgeries. For many patients, this surgery is all that is necessary to treat their cancer. For patients with more complex cases, additional treatment – such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy – may be used in addition to or instead of surgery. The types of surgeries we perform as a method of skin cancer treatment at Moffitt include:

Simple excision – The tumor and some surrounding tissue is removed with a scalpel.
Shave excision – A thin razor is used to remove a growth from the surface of the skin.
Mohs micrographic surgery – Thin layers are removed from the tumor one at a time and then examined under a microscope. The process is repeated until no more cancer cells are found.
Cryosurgery – Abnormal tissue is frozen and destroyed using a pen-like instrument.
Electrodesiccation and curettage – A curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument) is used to remove the tumor from the skin. An electrode is then applied to the skin to stop the bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells.
Laser surgery – A laser beam is used to remove the growth.
Dermabrasion – A rotating wheel with rough edges rubs the top layer of skin away.

Due to our exceptional research efforts, Moffitt Cancer Center has been designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Patients seeking treatment for skin cancer at Moffitt have the opportunity to benefit from the latest treatments – many of which are not yet available to the general public. Our robust clinical trials program is one of the many ways we stay committed to providing our patients with the best possible outcome and quality of life.

If you would like more information on our unique approach to treatment for skin cancer, call 1-888-663-3488, or fill out a new patient registration form online. You do not need a referral to come to Moffitt.

Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)

Treatment for Skin Cancer

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