Team of Specialists for Melanoma & Sarcoma
Many doctors come together in Greensboro to give you well-rounded care. In our Multidisciplinary Melanoma and Sarcoma Program, we meet to talk about cases like yours and explore the latest treatments. You benefit from the shared knowledge and decades of experience of a core team.
Looking for a second opinion? Call 336-832-0754. We’ll help make sure you know all your options.
Skin Cancer Treatment
In most cases, a dermatologist (skin specialist) leads skin cancer care. Explore the treatment options available at Cone Health.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery has 99% success rate for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, two common skin cancers. It’s a precise way to treat skin cancer almost anywhere on your body, especially the face, arms, and legs. A dermatologist with fellowship training in Mohs surgery performs the procedure. It removes unhealthy tissue layer by layer until a microscope shows no more cancer cells. This approach keeps as much healthy skin as possible.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicine to kill skin cancer cells. You could receive it as a cream that treats tumors on or near the skin’s surface. For cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, you might need chemo as pills or infusions (through a vein). Find out how your care team helps you stay safe and comfortable during chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also called biotherapy, helps your body’s immune system fight cancer. Cone Health doctors may prescribe drugs such as bispecific antibodies, which require certain expertise. They’re most often available at academic medical centers, but you have access to them closer to home in Greensboro. Learn more about immunotherapy at our cancer centers.
Radiation Therapy
You might receive radiation therapy:
- As a primary treatment for skin cancer
- After surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and help prevent recurrence
- To treat skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
Ask your care team for help managing side effects, such as red, itchy skin. We’ll help you feel better as soon as possible.
High Dose Rate (HDR) Surface Brachytherapy
Your care plan may include brachytherapy if nonmelanoma appears on an area where your body curves. With this treatment, you receive radiation through a custom mold or applicator that fits on your skin. Brachytherapy often takes fewer sessions than traditional radiation therapy, which uses a large machine.
Clinical Trials
You could have the option of taking part in a clinical trial that tests new approaches to skin cancer care. Cone Health research staff help you understand the benefits and risks of joining, and guide you from start to finish. You don’t have to travel far for the latest treatments because Cone Health brings clinical trials to you, right here in the Piedmont Triad.
Survivorship & Follow-Up Care
Even after your treatment ends, we’re watching out for you. You’ll have a survivorship care plan visit that will:
- Review the treatments you received and any side effects you still have
- Talk through your surveillance plan (how often you need checkups and tests)
- Connect you back with your primary care provider for routine health needs and screenings
- Discuss healthy habits, such as limiting sun exposure
- Review whether genetic testing is right for you or your family based on your risk factors
Ongoing Support: Long-Term Survivorship
Some people feel best continuing yearly follow-up with our cancer team. If that’s you, we may refer you to long-term survivorship for an annual visit with an advanced practice provider. At these visits, we focus on a targeted physical exam, lab work when needed, and close monitoring for any signs of cancer returning. If we find signs of recurrence, we’ll reconnect you with your dermatologist or oncologist.
