Skin Cancer

Melanoma

The incidence of melanoma is increasing. It is now the most rapidly increasing cancer among white males and the fourth most rapidly increasing cancer among white females. There remains a definite correlation between sun exposure and the occurrence of skin cancer, including squamous and basal cell carcinomas and melanoma.

Accurate staging is key to developing treatment strategies. After a surgeon performs a surgical biopsy or resection, our pathologists determine the level of invasion of melanoma in a laboratory.

Sentinal node biopsy has dramatically impacted the care of melanoma. Our surgeons at Exeter Hospital routinely use sentinal node biospy for accurate disease staging. Interferon is being utilized by our medical oncologists as an effective adjuvant therapy for melanoma patients who are at high risk for recurrence.