Melanoma and Skin Cancer

Dedicated Care for Skin Cancer

A skin cancer diagnosis can bring many questions and concerns. Rest assured, here at AdventHealth Cancer Institute, our unique whole-person approach to your treatment for melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma attends to your body, mind and spirit every step of the way. From appointment coordination to supportive resources, we’re here to ensure you always feel informed and cared for.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, often appearing on sun-exposed areas like the face or neck. It develops gradually and is rarely life‑threatening when found early.
Melanoma

Melanoma is a rare skin cancer that can spread quickly. We offer personalized treatments, including surgery and advanced therapies, alongside supportive care focused on your overall well‑being.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer that often appears on sun‑exposed body parts. It may look like scaly red patches, open sores or raised growths and can spread if not found early.

You’re unique, and you deserve individualized care. Your oncology team will personalize your course of treatment strategically, prescribing individual therapies as needed. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include some, none or a combination of the cancer therapies below.

Surgical Treatment for Skin Cancer: Surgery can be a promising step forward on your path to healing from early-stage skin cancer.
Your dedicated team of cancer specialists will work together to recommend the strongest, most effective treatment plan for you. If the melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is identified early, surgery may be the only treatment you need. Or, if it has spread to other areas of the body, surgery may be used in combination with immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Whenever possible, we will treat your cancer with the most minimally invasive procedure. Depending on your type of cancer, surgery could include one or more of the following surgical procedures:
Wide local incision is the most common type of melanoma surgery, which includes removing the cancerous skin lesion.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy and dissection involves removing lymph nodes near the cancer cells to determine possible spread or treat disease.
Systemic therapy involves immunotherapy and cell therapy.
TVEC is a local immunotherapy treatment that kills melanoma cells in the skin and lymph nodes, which can cause the immune system to attack the melanoma.
Learn more about our surgical oncology services.
Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy: Systemic therapy includes immunotherapy and chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Depending on the type of skin cancer or how advanced it is, systemic therapy may be part of your definitive or adjuvant treatment regimen. Immunotherapy has been a significant advancement over the past decade and has the power to harness your immune system to destroy or slow down the growth of cancer cells throughout your body.
At AdventHealth Cancer Institute, our oncology experts take an individualized approach to your systemic therapy treatment. Depending on your type of skin cancer, we'll determine which drug or combination of drugs is best for you. Immunotherapy or chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy. Along the way, we're here to support you however we can, answering any questions and helping you stay strong and optimistic before, during and after your treatment.
Learn more about chemotherapy treatment.
Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer: Radiation therapy may be a component of your treatment for skin cancer. And here, we deliver it with expertise, guidance and uncommon compassion. Using sophisticated computer imaging technology, we can target tumors in and around important structures throughout the head and body with amazing precision, lessening your pain and leaving healthy tissue untouched. Depending on your diagnosis, your dedicated team may recommend radiation therapy on its own or in combination with surgery and systemic therapy.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy targets specific areas of the body, shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells by damaging their DNA.
When treating skin cancer, radiation therapy is usually delivered through one of the following ways:
External radiation, which delivers radiation in a concentrated beam to keep nearby healthy tissue unaffected
Internal radiation guided by ultrasound or using our MRI-guided HDR brachytherapy, a minimally invasive method that delivers concentrated doses of radiation, keeping healthy nearby tissue safer
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a high-precision treatment option that sees the tumor in its 3D form and directs intense beams in a more targeted procedure
Throughout your treatment, your nurses and your radiology care team are there to keep you and your support system informed, comfortable and uplifted.
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy for Advanced Melanoma: Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy for Advanced-Stage Melanoma
At AdventHealth, we’re an accredited TIL Treatment Center providing tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. This new, FDA-approved immunotherapy is designed for adults with advanced-stage or metastatic melanoma.
In this treatment, your immune T-cells are collected from existing tumors, multiplied over several weeks and re-infused into your body to help heal the cancer. This approach is typically combined with chemotherapy. This one-time treatment takes about 10 weeks, from cell collection to recovery.
Who qualifies for TIL therapy?
Our team conducts a comprehensive review to determine if you are eligible for TIL therapy. You may qualify if you meet the following criteria:
Your melanoma is advanced or has metastasized
Tumor tissue can be safely harvested from your body
Your cancer progressed despite previous immunotherapy (such as anti-PD1 or anti-CTLA4)
Your overall health allows for surgical procedures
You are under age 65 (though we consider patients over 65 based on their overall health)

We take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to your cancer care, which means different types of specialists work together as a team to determine the most personalized and effective treatment plan for you.

Sajeve Thomas, MD

Hematology and Oncology
Sebastian de La Fuente, MD

General Surgery, Surgical Oncology
Jean-Nicolas Gallant, MD, PhD

Head and Neck Surgery, Surgical Oncology
Peter Peng, MD, FACS

Surgical Oncology
Aaron Domack, MD

Head and Neck Surgery
Melanie Townsend, MD

Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology
Richard Klein, MD, MPH, CLT-LANA, FACS

Plastic Surgery
James Mayo, MD

Plastic Surgery
Quintessa Miller, MD, FACS

Plastic Surgery
Sabrina Pavri, MD, MBA, FACS

Plastic Surgery
Rajendra Sawh-Martinez, MD, MHS, FACS

Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery
Uthman Alamoudi, MD, FACS

Otolaryngology
Jeffery Magnuson, MD

Otolaryngology
Fawaz Makki, MD

Otolaryngology
Gregory Neel, MD

Otolaryngology

Question: What does melanoma look like?
Answer:
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells that give the skin its color.
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The cancer often develops in sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the back, legs, arms, neck, face and scalp. Melanoma can also develop in areas that are rarely or never exposed to the sun, such as under the fingernails and on the soles of the feet.
Screening is important to help prevent and detect melanoma, so remember to check your skin for any new or unusual moles, growths, bumps or patches of skin and talk to your doctor about any concerns.
Melanoma symptoms can include:
A change in pigmented (colored) skin
A mole that:
Changes in size, shape or color
Has irregular edges or borders
Is more than one color
Is asymmetrical (if the mole is divided in half, the two halves are different in size or shape)
Itches
Oozes, bleeds or is ulcerated (a hole forms in the skin when the top layer of cells breaks down and the tissue below shows through)
Satellite moles (new moles that grow near an existing mole)

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Question: What causes melanoma and who is at risk?
Answer:
Risk factors that can be changed:
Avoid tanning beds
Minimize sun exposure (by limiting exposure to mid-day sun, wearing hats and protective clothing, applying sunscreen and wearing sunglasses)
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Risk factors that cannot be changed and associated with a high risk of melanoma:
Advanced age
Blond or red hair
Blue eyes
Fair complexion
History of melanoma in patient or family
Moles, especially large or atypical
Significant exposure to sun (sunburns) in childhood
Weakened immune system

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Question: Can I prevent melanoma?
Answer:
Sun protection and routine checks can help prevent the development of melanoma. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest likelihood of successful skin cancer treatment.
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In your everyday life, you can take these measures to help prevent melanoma and other types of skin cancer:
Avoid UV exposure: Even on cloudy days, your skin can be exposed to high levels of UV rays.
Get regular skin exams: Schedule an annual appointment with a dermatologist. Early detection is key to successfully treating skin cancer when it’s easier to do so.
Wear sunscreen regularly: Consider a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that you wear every day with a 30 SPF minimum.
Wear protective clothing and hats: Wear a wide-brimmed hat — the scalp is a common area of occurrence for skin cancer formation. Sun-protective clothing can be a great addition to your outdoor adventures.

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Question: How is melanoma diagnosed?

Answer:

Our physicians are accomplished diagnosticians who can perform skin biopsies to help catch skin cancers at an early stage, when they are most effectively treated.

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If you have a mole, abnormal lesion or other growth on your skin that has irregular borders, changes color or size, is larger than a quarter inch, or develops symptoms such as itching, tenderness, bleeding or crusting, it’s important to bring this to your doctor’s attention as quickly as possible. Because melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body, early diagnosis and treatment of these cancers is extremely important.
If you are concerned about any skin lesions, please follow up with your family physician, internist, dermatologist or surgeon. A diagnostic workup can include a physical exam, dermatoscopy or biopsy. Important elements of pathologic biopsy include the tumor depth, ulceration or invasion of surrounding structures. Your doctor may recommend staging assessment through a sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure or a PET scan.

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Question: What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

Answer:

Basal cell carcinoma often looks like a small, shiny or pearly bump on the skin. It can be skin-colored, pink or slightly see-through, and can sometimes have visible blood vessels.

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Some basal cell carcinomas look flat and firm, while others appear raised with rolled edges or have a scabby or crusted surface.

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Question: What causes basal cell carcinoma and who is at risk?
Answer:
Basal cell carcinoma develops when long-term exposure to UV rays damages the DNA in skin cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably over time.
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You may be at greater risk if you:
Have fair skin that burns easily
Have had basal cell carcinoma or other skin cancers before
Live in sunny or high‑UV climates
Spend a lot of time in the sun without protection
Use indoor tanning beds

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Question: How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?

Answer:

Basal cell carcinoma is usually diagnosed during a skin exam performed by a dermatologist or other health care provider.

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During the exam, the provider carefully looks at the skin for unusual bumps, patches, sores or growths, especially in sun‑exposed areas.
If they see any concerns, they'll complete a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, the provider removes part or all of the lesion and sends it to a laboratory to determine whether cancer cells are present and to confirm the type of skin cancer.
In some cases, additional imaging or examination may be needed to assess how deep the cancer has grown or to help guide treatment.

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Question: Can basal cell carcinoma spread or come back?

Answer:

Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if it's not treated, it can continue to grow and damage nearby skin, tissue and bone, especially on the face, ears and scalp.

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Basal cell carcinoma can come back after treatment, particularly in the same area where it first developed. People who have had basal cell carcinoma are also at higher risk of developing new basal cell cancers elsewhere on the skin. Regular follow‑up visits with your dermatologist or primary care provider and routine skin checks are important for monitoring for recurrence and detecting new skin cancers early.

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Question: What does squamous cell carcinoma cell look like?
Answer:
Squamous cell carcinoma may look like:
A raised, firm growth
A rough or scaly red patch
A sore that crusts or bleeds
A thickened area of skin that may feel tender
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These spots often develop on sun‑exposed areas of the body and may bleed easily or fail to heal over time.
Any growth or sore that continues to change or does not heal should be checked by a doctor.

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Question: What causes squamous cell carcinoma and who is at risk?
Answer:
Squamous cell carcinoma is caused by damage to squamous cells from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, most often from prolonged sun exposure or tanning bed use.
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Over time, this damage can cause the cells to grow uncontrollably and form cancer.
People may be at higher risk for squamous cell carcinoma if they:
Are older, as UV damage builds up over time
Burn easily or have a history of sunburns
Have a weakened immune system
Have fair skin, light hair or light eyes
Have had long-term or intense sun exposure
Have had squamous cell carcinoma or other skin cancers before
Spend a lot of time outdoors for work or recreation
Use indoor tanning beds

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Question: How is squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed?
Answer:
Squamous cell carcinoma is typically diagnosed during a thorough skin examination by a dermatologist or health care provider.
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The provider looks for firm growths, scaly patches, open sores or thickened areas of skin, particularly in areas that receive frequent sun exposure.
If a lesion looks abnormal or has changed over time, they'll perform a skin biopsy, removing all or part of the abnormal area and testing it to confirm whether squamous cell carcinoma is present.
Because squamous cell carcinoma has a greater likelihood of spreading than basal cell carcinoma, the provider may also:
Examine nearby lymph nodes
Order imaging tests in certain cases
Perform additional biopsies if the cancer appears more advanced
These steps help determine how aggressive the cancer is and guide the most appropriate treatment.

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Question: Can squamous cell carcinoma spread or come back?

Answer:

Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma, especially if it grows deep into the skin or is left untreated.

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In some cases, it can also spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, making early diagnosis and treatment especially important.
Squamous cell carcinoma may also return after treatment, either in the same location or elsewhere on the skin. The risk of recurrence or spread is higher for larger tumors, cancers that grow quickly or cancers located on the lips, ears or areas with weakened immune function.
Ongoing skin exams and follow‑up care are the best way to help detect recurrent or spreading squamous cell carcinoma as early as possible.

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If you’re concerned about specific symptoms or have been recently diagnosed, you’ll find all the strength and support you need to face skin cancer, including melanoma, at our AdventHealth Cancer Institute. We offer specialized care for all types of skin cancer, all coordinated through a trusted national network. Click below or call us at 833-246-6712 to request an appointment or find a location near you.

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Treatment

Dedicated Care for Skin Cancer

Conditions We Treat

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Melanoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Explore Your Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Our Specialists Specialize in You

Sajeve Thomas, MD

Sebastian de La Fuente, MD

Jean-Nicolas Gallant, MD, PhD

Peter Peng, MD, FACS

Aaron Domack, MD

Melanie Townsend, MD

Richard Klein, MD, MPH, CLT-LANA, FACS

James Mayo, MD

Quintessa Miller, MD, FACS

Sabrina Pavri, MD, MBA, FACS

Rajendra Sawh-Martinez, MD, MHS, FACS

Uthman Alamoudi, MD, FACS

Jeffery Magnuson, MD

Fawaz Makki, MD

Gregory Neel, MD

Frequently Asked Skin Cancer Questions

Question: What does melanoma look like?

Question: What causes melanoma and who is at risk?

Question: Can I prevent melanoma?

Question: How is melanoma diagnosed?

Question: What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

Find Melanoma and Skin Cancer Care Near You

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Treatment

Dedicated Care for Skin Cancer

Conditions We Treat

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Melanoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Explore Your Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Our Specialists Specialize in You

Request a Consultation With a Skin Cancer Expert

Advancing Treatment and Discovering New Hope

Your Complete Network of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Care

Clinical Trials

Second Opinion

Support Groups

Frequently Asked Skin Cancer Questions

Q:Question: What does melanoma look like?

Q:Question: What causes melanoma and who is at risk?

Q:Question: Can I prevent melanoma?

Q:Question: How is melanoma diagnosed?

Q:Question: What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

Q:Question: What causes basal cell carcinoma and who is at risk?

Q:Question: How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?

Q:Question: Can basal cell carcinoma spread or come back?

Q:Question: What does squamous cell carcinoma cell look like?

Q:Question: What causes squamous cell carcinoma and who is at risk?

Q:Question: How is squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed?

Q:Question: Can squamous cell carcinoma spread or come back?

Find Melanoma and Skin Cancer Care Near You

Question: What does melanoma look like?

Question: What causes melanoma and who is at risk?

Question: Can I prevent melanoma?

Question: How is melanoma diagnosed?

Question: What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

Question: What causes basal cell carcinoma and who is at risk?

Question: How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?

Question: Can basal cell carcinoma spread or come back?

Question: What does squamous cell carcinoma cell look like?

Question: What causes squamous cell carcinoma and who is at risk?

Question: How is squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed?

Question: Can squamous cell carcinoma spread or come back?