Skin Cancer
State-of-the-Art Skin Cancer Care
Skin Cancer Care at MetroHealth
MetroHealth’s accessible and advanced screening tools help prevent skin cancer, and we are pioneers in treatment options that result in healthier outcomes.
Skin cancer is preventable
According to the American Cancer Society, Ohio has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the country.
Many skin cancers are preventable, and caused by ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure. If you have fair skin, light hair, and/or freckles, you are at higher risk for skin cancer and should be careful to limit UV exposure.
Tips for Avoiding UV Ray Exposure
- Stay in the shade, especially in the middle of the day. UV rays are present at any time: on cloudy days, on cool days, and in all seasons.
- Wear a hat and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more.
- Avoid artificial and indoor tanning.
MetroHealth: Meeting You Where You Are
MetroHealth providers are active in our community because we want to help prevent skin cancer. We visit libraries, assisted living facilities, and other community organizations to help people understand how to prevent and screen for skin cancer. We can even coordinate free on-site skin cancer screenings at workplaces, and we follow up with individuals who need further care.
If you spot something suspicious on your body—changes to existing moles, any new or unusual growths—it’s important to visit a MetroHealth dermatologist as soon as possible.
Regular screenings are offered in our Dermatology department. Call 216-778-DERM (3376) for a screening.
Walk-in, free skin screenings
Snapshot is a fast, easy, free skin screening service offered at several convenient locations.
You can walk in with no appointment necessary and get up to two spots of concern screened with a high-resolution photo, which will be reviewed within a week by a board-certified dermatologist. The dermatologist will determine if you need a follow-up appointment, and how quickly you need to be seen.
Keep track of your skin
SkinIO is a new, non-invasive technology that helps you and your doctor create a digital skin health record to monitor your skin’s health and detect potential problems.
MetroHealth is the first and only hospital in Ohio to offer SkinIO.
A nurse will take whole-body images of your skin, and SkinIO’s AI technology will flag any potential skin issues that might require more attention. Images are secure and private, and allow you and your doctor to track your skin health over time.
Your results will be reviewed with you on the spot, and we’ll tell you what follow-up—if any—is needed.
Advanced Skin Cancer Treatment
MetroHealth is a leader in Mohs micrographic surgery, an advanced procedure that removes cancerous tissue layer by layer. Mohs surgery is used to treat non-melanoma cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Instead of cutting out your tumor along with portions of healthy skin.
Mohs surgery is more precise. Mohs surgery is ideal for skin in cosmetically sensitive areas, and the rate of recurrence with Mohs surgery is lower than traditional surgery: about 2-3%.
Mohs surgery:
- Takes out less tissue while removing all of your tumor.
- Often results in less scarring.
- Often results in a smaller chance of your skin cancer returning.
- Often avoids the need for a skin flap or skin graft.
- Allows for reconstructive surgery to be performed on the same day.
MetroHealth also offers radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments for cancer.
If you need these therapies, your skin cancer doctor will work with you to make sure your treatments are as effective as they can be. And we'll connect you with other resources, including cancer navigators, who can help you understand your treatments and help with any side effects they might cause.
Recovering from Lung Cancer
When you’re recovering from lung cancer, hope is essential. At MetroHealth, you’ll receive care from our oncology team that has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons for the highest possible level of training and expertise.
With You Every Step
MetroHealth cares for you on every step of your journey:
- You’ll benefit from integrated behavioral health services every step of the way, because mental health plays a vital role in well-being.
- We partner with American Cancer Society, The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and other community organizations to provide support, resources, and care for patients and families.
Social Workers Available
MetroHealth provides a social worker to help patients navigate their cancer journey and connect with resources. Call 216-778-8204 to connect with a social worker.
The Gathering Place
MetroHealth partners with The Gathering Place to provide individual, group, and family support services, including nutrition and exercise programs, the Regina Brett Wig Salon, special programs, and legal or financial consultation.
Advancing Care Through Research
At MetroHealth, every oncologist participates in research, bringing advances in cancer care directly to your bedside. We address health disparities by enrolling people from minority populations in clinical trials at more than 4 times the national average.
For more information about our studies, or to enroll in a study that might be right for you, contact our oncology team at 216-77-TREAT.
A Team Dedicated to You
The MetroHealth Cancer Institute team is setting a new standard of cancer care in northeast Ohio. MetroHealth offers unmatched, state-of-the-art, and personalized cancer care.
