Melanoma

One in five Americans will develop melanoma, the fastest growing cancer worldwide. It is more likely to occur at an earlier age and spreads quicker than other types of skin cancers – with around 50% occurring before age 40; one-third by 25 years old alone! Most people do not consider their risk when it first appears but rather wait until they are diagnosed which leads to them being diagnosed much later on average (50)

Surgical Oncologists Treat Melanoma

University Surgical Associates, located in Chattanooga, TN specializes in the surgical treatment of melanoma. We can remove skin cancer from all parts of the body and can provide specialized surgeries related to melanoma. Our surgeons can provide:

  • Melanoma surgery, including wide excision melanoma surgery
  • Basal cell carcinoma surgery
  • Squamous cell carcinoma surgery
  • Other cancerous mole removals

Our skin cancer surgeons are highly experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to helping you receive prompt treatment. We offer a variety of melanoma surgery options. Call or contact us online to learn more.

Surgical Oncologist For Melanoma FAQs

Surgical Oncology is the branch of surgery that focuses on managing cancer. While many general surgeons are actively involved in treating patients with malignant neoplasms, it’s uncommon for them to be designated as “surgical oncologists.” That title usually belongs only if an individual has completed an approved surgical program or oncology fellowship.

Most often, surgical oncologist refers to a general surgical oncologist (cf. General Surgery), but thoracic surgical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and so forth can all be considered surgeons who specialize in treating cancer patients.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

University Surgical Associates is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and our oncology surgeons can meet with patients in the following nearby USA locations to treat their melanoma. Learn more about our surgical oncologists near you by contacting us today.

USA physicians providing oncology services have completed surgical oncology fellowships and training in general surgery. Our local surgical oncologists participate in the administration of cancer programs at various hospitals in Chattanooga, and actively participate in multi-disciplinary programs in cancer care within the community.

In addition to performing indicated surgical procedures, our surgical oncologists also review tests with radiologists and pathologists to better coordinate the care of each individual patient.

A – Asymmetry (One half of the mole doesn’t match the other).

B – Border that is irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.

C – Color that is not uniform; has shades or tan, brown or black and is some time white, blue or red.

D – Diameter greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

E – Evolving shape, size or color.

Learn more about the ABCDEs here. And click here for 5 Points to Ponder about Melanoma. 

Pre-melanomas and early-stage melanoma lesions can many times be effectively treated in a dermatologist’s office. For people who have a more advanced stage melanoma, a wide excision in combination with a lymph node biopsy may be necessary to remove all traces of cancer. When sample lymph nodes are removed and tested, the results help your doctors determine further treatment decisions. The procedure is called sentinel node biopsy.

Schedule an Appointment

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More On Skin Cancer Surgery

University Surgical Associates is here to help wherever you are in your skin cancer journey. We assist patients that have just received news of a possible melanoma diagnosis, as well as patients that already have a diagnosis. Learn more about the different types of skin cancer surgeries:

Melanoma Surgery

Melanoma surgery is a procedure to remove melanomas, which are a type of skin cancer. The most common type of melanoma surgery is wide excision melanoma surgery. This involves removing the melanoma along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. The width of the margin depends on the size and location of the melanoma. Melanoma surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you can go home the same day as the procedure.

Recovery from melanoma surgery usually takes one to two weeks. During this time, you may have some pain, swelling, and bruising. You will also need to avoid strenuous activity and exposure to sunlight while your incision heals. Melanoma surgery is usually successful in treating melanomas. However, it is important to have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to check for recurrence.

Skin Cancer Surgery

The skin cancer surgeons at University Surgical Associates are highly experienced in successfully removing various types of skin cancers from patients of all ages. We can remove skin cancer from all parts of the body, and specialize in these types of surgeries:

  • Melanoma surgery, including wide excision melanoma surgery
  • Basal cell carcinoma surgery
  • Squamous cell carcinoma surgery
  • Other cancerous mole removals

To ensure you are seen as soon as possible, ask your provider to send a referral to University Surgical Associates, and then you may call 423-267-0466 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.

Meet Our Skin Cancer Surgeons:

Request a Surgical Oncology Appointment

If you’re ready to meet with a surgical oncologist, call us today at (423) 267-0466 or request an appointment using the form below.

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16 Specialty Services From Over
30 Skilled Surgeons

Today our network extends to more than 6 cities in the region. Search our network of surgeons and nurse practitioners by specialty or location.