Skin Cancer

For people with various types of skin cancer – including melanoma – the Swedish Cancer Institute offers the services of a renowned team of physicians, surgeons and other cancer specialists. All Swedish skin-cancer patients benefit from an integrated approach to care that begins with state-of-the-art imaging techniques and features the latest and best treatments, as well as a full selection of high-quality support services.

Malignant melanoma is predominantly a disease of the skin, but may in rare instances occur at other sites, including the mucous membranes and in the eye.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer is often categorized as melanoma or non-melanoma. The two main layers of the skin are the epidermis (the top layer) and the dermis (a thicker, lower layer). Skin cancer usually develops in the epidermis, and the three types of cells here are: squamous cells, basal cells and melanocytes. Melanoma, a cancer that begins in melanocytes, is less common than non-melanoma skin cancer, but tends to be more aggressive. Learn more about skin cancer and melanoma.

Treatments

Individualized treatment plan may include a combination of the following treatments:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy

Research and clinical trials

If your physician believes you are a good candidate to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a new treatment or more effective combinations of treatments — and you agree — you will have access to the very latest in research treatments.

At any given time, the Swedish Cancer Institute offers patients more than 140 clinical-research studies involving most types of cancers.  Additionally, our physician specialists collaborate with other regional and national research groups, including  Southwest Oncology Group, National Cancer Institute, Puget Sound Oncology Consortium and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Education and support for patients and families

Beyond physical health, the Swedish Cancer Institute is committed to the emotional well-being of our patients and their families. We offer:

• Individual and family counseling, and support groups
• An on-site  education center 
• A full array of  complementary therapies 
• A dedicated  cancer rehabilitation program
• Specialized  nutrition care for those fighting cancer

Complementary therapies include:

• Naturopathic care 
• Massage therapy 
• Meditation 
• Art therapy
• Music therapy 

See Patient Support and Resources and Services for the Body, Mind and Sprit at Swedish.

Appointments & Referrals

Radiation Therapy

Locations & phone numbers

Chemotherapy

Locations & phone numbers

See also:
All contacts & phone numbers
New patient Information