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Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Expertise

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common forms of skin cancer, yet when caught early, they are not only easily treated but usually curable with surgery. The Skin Cancer Program's expert dermatologic and plastic surgeons utilize state of the art techniques, ensuring the best possible outcome—both functionally and aesthetically.

Stanford Dermatology clinical-investigators and basic scientists conducted pivotal ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ in the use of the recently FDA-approved drug, Vismodegib, for patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma, including those with inoperable tumors and metastatic disease. Stanford Dermatology ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ers have pioneered study of this agent in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome, a genetic disorder than results in the formation of hundreds of skin cancers. Ongoing ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ involving this class of drugs, termed hedgehog pathway inhibitors, is in progress through Stanford Dermatology, and we offer an Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Clinic of multidisciplinary cancer specialists for patients with aggressive basal cell skin cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma is generally treated with excision with standard or margins obtained via Mohs micrographic surgery. Patients at high risk of relapse and/or development of subsequent malignancies due to solid organ transplantation or other reasons (immunosuppression, etc.) are followed closely in the High Risk Skin Cancer Clinic. Locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma may be managed through the Head & Neck Tumor Board. Patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma may be seen in a multispecialty fashion with dermatology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other providers as deemed necessary.