Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Some are simple and easy to treat. Others are complex and can affect multiple parts of the body. If you are worried about a symptom or patch of skin that doesn’t look right – or maybe you have a skin cancer diagnosis or biopsy from another doctor – you can talk to a WashU Medicine specialist at Siteman Cancer Center to make sure you’re receiving the best possible treatment plan by the best possible skin experts. We can help get a second opinion from a WashU Medicine dermatologist, explore treatment options from the most skilled surgeons and get a care plan that is right for your long-term health.
Why Choose Siteman for Skin Cancer Treatment
At Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, specialists care for thousands of patients with skin cancer each year – from routine second opinions to common basal and squamous cell carcinomas to advanced and high-risk melanoma.
As the region’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we bring together dermatologic surgeons, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists who focus specifically on skin cancers. Many of our physicians are nationally recognized leaders in melanoma and immunotherapy research. And many community physicians and regional dermatologists refer complex or advanced melanoma cases to Siteman for evaluation.
Our multidisciplinary tumor board reviews complex cases to ensure each treatment plan reflects the most current evidence and the full expertise of our team. Patients also have access to clinical trials evaluating next-generation immunotherapies and targeted treatments – options that may not be available at most centers.
Whether your cancer is newly diagnosed, recurrent or advanced, we tailor care to the biology of your skin and the goals of your treatment.
About Skin Cancer
The skin is the body’s largest organ and serves as a protective barrier against sunlight, heat, injury and infection. It also helps regulate body temperature and supports overall health.
Skin has two main layers: the outer layer (epidermis) and the deeper layer (dermis). Most skin cancers begin in the epidermis, which contains three primary types of cells — basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes.
Skin cancer is common, and many cases can be treated effectively when detected early. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent type and often grows slowly. Squamous cell carcinoma can behave more aggressively, particularly if it is large, deeply invasive or left untreated.
Melanoma is less common but more serious. It has a higher risk of spreading to lymph nodes or other parts of the body and requires prompt evaluation and specialized care.
Because some skin cancers can progress or spread quickly, early diagnosis and expert treatment are important – especially for high-risk or advanced cases. Even if you’ve had a small case of skin cancer removed, it’s especially important to have regular checks with a dermatologist to prevent it from spreading or recurring.
Find a WashU Medicine dermatologist.
Breakthrough treatment for advanced melanoma
Melanoma is a challenging diagnosis, especially if conventional treatments aren’t working. WashU Medicine physicians at Siteman helped pioneer a new treatment for advanced melanoma called “tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy.”
It uses the body’s own immune system to kill melanoma cells. Thanks to clinical trials here at Siteman, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy was licensed by the FDA in 2024.
Proton beam therapy for ocular melanoma
One type of melanoma, called ocular melanoma, can grow in the eyes. Proton beam therapy, a highly precise form of radiation therapy, can treat patients with this kind of skin cancer.
The proton beam is so thin, it can attack the melanoma while leaving the structures of the eye intact. This can help preserve vision.
Siteman Cancer Center was the first center in Missouri to offer proton beam therapy. Our WashU Medicine physicians are highly skilled at this form of treatment.
Clinical Trials
Patients who come to Siteman are often able to join one of our many clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies examining new drugs and treatment approaches before they are widely available.
Many patients come to Siteman specifically for our clinical trials. We offer more clinical trials than any other facility in our region. Clinical trials can be part of a patient’s treatment plan when they first come to Siteman or can be added later.
Start Here. Get the Care You Need.Our Siteman care coordinators – oncology-trained nurses who help with scheduling, finding the right specialist, and guidance – can help you through the process.
Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
