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Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence

About the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence

The AHN Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence is unlike any other skin cancer center in the area. Our dedicated team of dermatologists, oncologists, oncodermatologists, and medical professionals are all working in tandem to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients.

With a team of expert providers and state-of-the-art technology, we’re able to provide comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnostic services, and specialized care for high-risk patients all in one setting to ensure consistent and thorough care.

Personalized skin cancer and melanoma care

By choosing the AHN Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence, you are not only choosing excellence in skin cancer care, but you are choosing providers who see you as a unique individual who deserves unique, personalized care. That’s our commitment to every patient we see — comprehensive, inclusive health care. A skin cancer or melanoma diagnosis can bring many questions and concerns. AHN is here to help you through.

  • Experts working together: At AHN, we are the only clinic where a dermatologist and a surgical specialist work closely on skin care and skin cancer. You have access to the experts you need, whether you are someone concerned about skin cancer or if you have life-threatening advanced skin cancer. 
  • Integrative care: Skin care specialists, dermatologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists all work together to collaborate on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cancer specialists also meet biweekly to discuss advanced cancer cases, share their knowledge, and collaborate on how to best treat patients. 
  • Advanced technology: AHN is the only health care provider in western Pennsylvania that offers the VECTRA® WB360 Imaging System. VECTRA is the only technology of its kind and provides a whole-body 3D skin imaging that is used to monitor skin lesions, moles, and conditions.
  • Helping with side effects: Oftentimes, cancer treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation can cause side effects to the skin. AHN oncodermatologists provide specialized skin care for cancer patients who are dealing with the side effects from their cancer treatment. This highly skilled area of dermatology helps patients mitigate side effects.

Skin cancer screening

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but early detection is key to successful treatment. Regular skin cancer screenings are essential for maintaining your skin’s health and catching any potential problems early on when it’s easier to treat. Skin cancer screening and results.

Melanoma and skin cancer services

A skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. AHN dermatologists and surgeons understand and are here to walk with you through your diagnosis and treatment plan. We’ll guide you through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, empowering you to feel informed about the decisions related to your care. Some of our skin cancer services include:

  • Biopsy services: A skin cancer biopsy is a simple procedure where a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if it’s cancerous. We offer skin cancer biopsy services that are performed by skilled health care providers multiple times a week, ensuring a fast and accurate diagnosis for skin cancer and melanoma, allowing for prompt treatment without the need for additional doctor visits.
  • Non-invasive testing: Beyond biopsies, skin cancer testing now includes less invasive options like tape tests, which gently collect skin cells for analysis, and non-invasive imaging techniques. New technology uses magnified light and lasers to visualize skin lesions in detail, aiding in early detection and accurate diagnosis. These advancements offer patients a wider range of options for skin cancer testing, minimizing discomfort and potentially eliminating the need for biopsies in many cases.
  • VECTRA® WB360 Imaging System: This cutting-edge technology is for precise diagnosis with unparalleled accuracy in evaluating skin conditions. Various AHN locations have handheld devices attached to this machine for doctors to easily test a specific lesion to get results. This helps the patient get quickly referred to the Skin Cancer Center. Learn more about VECTRA WB360 Screening.

VECTRA® is a registered trademark of Canfield Scientific, Inc.

Specialized treatments

The AHN Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence offers a wide range of specialized treatments for melanoma and skin cancer: 

  • Oncolytic Virus Therapy: This therapy uses genetically engineered viruses that specifically target and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
  • Intralesional therapies: These treatments involve injecting medications directly into a tumor or lesion to target the specific area and minimize systemic side effects.
  • Topical treatments: These therapies involve applying medications directly to the skin or mucous membranes, allowing for localized treatment of skin cancers or other conditions.
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