Skin Cancer

When you come to Winship Cancer Institute for skin cancer treatment, you have a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to your well-being. To request an appointment, call (404) 778-0680.

As a patient at Winship, your care team offers you a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of skin cancer.

Your Winship care team draws on Emory's vast resources and expertise in dermatology, surgical oncology, medical oncology and others to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for skin cancer. We provide a coordinated, cohesive program with a dedicated treatment plan established for each patient.

As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking surgeries and treatments that produce better outcomes and are adopted by other leading cancer centers. We treat patients with various forms of skin cancer including:

  • squamous cell carcinoma
  • basal cell carcinoma
  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
  • cutaneous lymphoma or lymphoma of the skin
  • other rare cutaneous malignancies

Our team members are leaders in the treatment of melanoma, a more aggressive form of skin cancer.

The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:

  • Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top cancer experts in the world.
  • Access to the Pigmented Lesions Clinic for high risk cases.
  • Weekly review of patient cases by the full team of experts.
  • Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
  • Access to our program coordinator to assist you through out the treatment process.
  • Access to support groups and social services for you and your caregivers.
  • Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0680 to request an appointment with a skin cancer specialist. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.

Refer a Patient

Referring providers, you or your staff may refer a patient by contacting us at (404) 778-0680 or email to winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Skin cancers start with changes in the skin called lesions.

A suspicious lesion on the skin may prompt a doctor to perform the following surgical procedures to determine if the lesion is cancerous.

A skin biopsy is when a small sample of an abnormal lesion is examined under a microscope. Skin biopsies can be performed in various ways:

  • Shave biopsy: the top layers of the skin are removed when the risk of melanoma is very low.
  • Punch biopsy: a doctor uses a small cookie-cutter shaped tool to remove several layers of the skin.
  • Excisional biopsy: the entire tumor is removed and examined by a pathologist.

Additional tests including imaging and scans may be used to determine whether the cancer has spread or metastasized.

The Emory Healthcare dermatology clinic offers a variety of screening and diagnostic tests.

Treatment options for skin cancer will depend on a number of factors including your overall health, the size and type of the cancer, and whether the disease has spread.

Non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma are common and usually very treatable. Other types of skin cancer such as Merkel cell carcinoma are aggressive and if spread beyond the skin can be difficult to treat.

Surgery is the first line of treatment if a skin cancer has not spread throughout the body. For some patients, removing the tumor will offer a cure. Surgical procedures include:

  • Excision - cutting and removal of tumor from skin.
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation - scraping of tumor along with use of an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancerous cells.
  • Mohs surgery - a surgical technique that removes layers of skin until the tumor is removed. This procedure results in better outcomes and allows for more normal skin to be saved.
  • Lymph node surgery - Certain skin cancers of the lower extremities may require removal of the local lymph nodes. Here at Winship, our doctors have pioneered a groin dissection technique for the removal of lymph nodes that improves recovery and lowers the risk of infection.

Patients with advanced disease may require additional surgery, radiation therapy or immunotherapy following surgery.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Your care team may use radiation by itself to treat certain types of skin cancers based on the size or location of the tumor, or to shrink tumors before surgery.

Immunotherapy is a type of biological therapy delivered through medication that stimulates or suppresses your body's immune system to fight cancer. This is a promising new treatment for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma and potentially other types of skin cancer, particularly if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Targeted therapies: With targeted therapies, your care team uses drugs that more selectively target cancer cells with fewer side effects. This personalized form of medicine identifies unique characteristics of tumors that make them vulnerable to known drugs so therapy can be tailored to an individual's cancer.

Chemotherapy may be used to treat advanced skin cancers that have spread to other organs. It is not often used during initial treatment because of the availability of immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

Clinical Trials

One of your best treatment options may be participation in a clinical trial. Our patients have access to some of the most advanced cancer treatments and clinical trials for skin cancer and other cutaneous malignancies offered anywhere. Our clinical researchers have helped pioneer new immunotherapies that have improved outcomes for many patients with various types of skin cancers including Merkel cell carcinoma.

Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.

Supportive Oncology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from our program coordinator and our team of counselors, dietitians and social service professionals.

Cascade Link

Zachary S. Buchwald MD, PhD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Zachary S. Buchwald MD, PhD
Zachary S. Buchwald MD, PhD

Zachary S. Buchwald MD, PhD

Michael C. Lowe MD, MA

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Michael C. Lowe MD, MA
Michael C. Lowe MD, MA

Michael C. Lowe MD, MA

  • Dr. Lowe specializes in the treatment of cutaneous malignancies including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.
  • Disease Team Lead and Co-Chair, Melanoma Working Group, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0680

Margi McKellar MS, MMS PA-C

  • Melanoma Coordinator
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                                 Margi McKellar MS, MMS PA-C
Margi McKellar MS, MMS PA-C

Margi McKellar MS, MMS PA-C

  • As the melanoma coordinator, Ms. McKellar serves as the point of contact for referring physicians and their patients from their initial referrals through long-term follow-up.
  • Physician Assistant, Surgical Oncology and Dermatology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0680

Wendy Baer MD

  • Psychiatric Oncologist
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                                 Wendy Baer MD
Wendy Baer MD

Wendy Baer MD

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Ms. Barrett leads the nutritional services team at all Winship locations providing personalized nutrition advice to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Manager of Winship Dietitians, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-5646

Anna Bausum ND

  • Integrative Oncology Specialist
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                                 Anna Bausum ND
Anna Bausum ND

Anna Bausum ND

  • Dr. Bausum supports patients with cancer by incorporating a variety of integrative medicine tools alongside patients' conventional oncology care regimens.
  • Integrative Oncology Specialist, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0600

Travis W. Blalock MD

  • Dermatologist
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                                 Travis W. Blalock MD
Travis W. Blalock MD

Travis W. Blalock MD

  • Dr. Blalock's primary focus is dermatologic surgery including treatment of skin cancers with a specialized surgical procedure called Mohs micrographic surgery.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3333

Laura Brachman MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Laura Brachman MD
Laura Brachman MD

Laura Brachman MD

  • Dr. Brachman provides patients with cancer with relief from their symptoms and helps improve their quality of life throughout their journey.
  • Assistant Medical Director, Outpatient Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory Healthcare
  • (404) 778-6448

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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                                 Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C
Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

  • Ms. Cohen works with patients treated for all types of malignancies and disorders that may need consideration for radiation treatment.
  • Social Worker, Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Supportive Oncologist
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                                 Kimberly A. Curseen MD
Kimberly A. Curseen MD

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Dr. Curseen is the primary provider for the Supportive Oncology Clinic at Winship.
  • Director, Palliative Medicine Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-6448

Keith Delman MD, FACS

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Keith Delman MD, FACS
Keith Delman MD, FACS

Keith Delman MD, FACS

  • Dr. Delman specializes in the minimally-invasive surgical treatment of melanoma and complex cutaneous oncology.
  • Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0680

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Adrien Edoo MTS
Adrien Edoo MTS

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Adrien provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
  • Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
  • (404) 991-8429

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD
Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD
Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD

Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD

  • A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Huskey provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
  • Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-4526

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN
Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

Mohammad K. Khan MD, PhD, MS, FACRO, FACR, DABR

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Mohammad K. Khan MD, PhD, MS, FACRO, FACR, DABR
Mohammad K. Khan MD, PhD, MS, FACRO, FACR, DABR

Mohammad K. Khan MD, PhD, MS, FACRO, FACR, DABR

  • Dr. Khan specializes in lymphoma, multiple myeloma, skin (melanoma, squamous cell, basal cell, merkel cell), and pediatric cancers.
  • Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3473

Emma Kimball LCSW

  • Social Worker
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                                 Emma Kimball LCSW
Emma Kimball LCSW

Emma Kimball LCSW

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Susan K. Kunihiro MD
Susan K. Kunihiro MD

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Dr. Kunihiro works to improve quality of life for patients with cancer, no matter the stage of illness - from initial diagnosis, during treatment, in remission or closer to end of life.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Rupeng Li MD, PhD
Rupeng Li MD, PhD

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Dr. Li works with care teams at Winship to treat chronic pain symptoms in patients with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Meredith Maxwell MD
Meredith Maxwell MD

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Dr. Maxwell collaborates with the multidisciplinary care team at Winship to help patients address symptoms and improve their quality of life during their journey with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Douglas C. Parker MD

  • Dermatopathologist
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                                 Douglas C. Parker MD
Douglas C. Parker MD

Douglas C. Parker MD

  • Board certified in anatomic pathology and in dermatopathology, Dr. Parker is involved in the histopathologic interpretation and diagnosis of skin lesions for patients at both Emory University Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5947

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Dr. Peacock leads the Winship Spiritual Health Team in the work of offering compassionate, inclusive, supportive, evidence based care to patients, families and staff.
  • Director of Spiritual Health, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-8029

Brian P. Pollack MD, PhD

  • Dermatopathologist
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                                 Brian P. Pollack MD, PhD
Brian P. Pollack MD, PhD

Brian P. Pollack MD, PhD

  • Board certified in dermatopathology, Dr. Pollack specializes in laboratory medicine for melanoma and skin cancers.
  • Assistant Professor, Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3333

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD
M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • A cancer pain management expert, Dr. Qadri collaborates with oncologists at Winship to treat patients with cancer suffering from chronic pain symptoms.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Margaret A. Riso MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Margaret A. Riso MD
Margaret A. Riso MD

Margaret A. Riso MD

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Missy Roberts MDiv
Missy Roberts MDiv

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Missy provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
  • Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Vinita Singh MD, MS
Vinita Singh MD, MS

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Dr. Singh collaborates with oncologists to provide state-of-the-art therapies to cancer patients suffering from pain symptoms.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Jesse A. Soodalter MD
Jesse A. Soodalter MD

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • A palliative care specialist, Dr. Soodalter provides specialized outpatient medical care with a focus on relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer and other illnesses.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Benjamin Stoff MD

  • Dermatopathologist
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                                 Benjamin Stoff MD
Benjamin Stoff MD

Benjamin Stoff MD

  • Dr. Stoff specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and is a member of the multidisciplinary melanoma team at Winship Cancer Institute.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3333

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD
Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

Karin Van Vlack

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Karin Van Vlack
Karin Van Vlack

Karin Van Vlack

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Raymond provides administrative leadership to the Winship Spiritual Health Team, supporting and assisting in their work of compassionate and inclusive care of patients, staff, and their loved ones.
  • Process Improvement Specialist III, Senior Spiritual Health Clinician, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Nan Xiang MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
Photo of 
                                 Nan Xiang MD
Nan Xiang MD

Nan Xiang MD

  • Dr. Xiang specializes in managing chronic pain symptoms for patients with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Howa Yeung MD, MSc

  • Dermatologist
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                                 Howa Yeung MD, MSc
Howa Yeung MD, MSc

Howa Yeung MD, MSc

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Palliative Oncologist
Photo of 
                                 Ali J. Zarrabi MD
Ali J. Zarrabi MD

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Dr. Zarrabi provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients living with serious illness.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448
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