Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, with one in five Americans developing skin cancer in their lifetime. The Tampa General Skin Cancer Center provides comprehensive treatment for our patients, working in partnership with USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is continually exposed to the outside world. In the Sunshine State, residents are exposed to stronger sun than in other regions, with higher ultraviolet (UV) levels year-round. Skin cancers begin in the outer layer of the skin, when UV rays from the sun cause DNA damage to skin cells. The main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Early detection and intervention is the key to safe treatments and good outcomes.
At Tampa General, we’re here to support your cancer journey. If you are facing a skin cancer diagnosis, our world-class team at the TGH Skin Cancer Center can help.
The Tampa General Difference
Our team takes a patient-centered approach, focusing on expediting care that meets national standards for each and every patient. Testing and diagnostics that might take several days somewhere else can be done in a much shorter period - sometimes even one day - at Tampa General. This is an all-in effort to provide our patients with the care they need as soon as possible, with convenient locations and readily available appointments. Tampa General’s multi-disciplinary team is also poised to treat your cancer through multiple channels – for example, radiation paired with surgery or immunotherapy. We work to provide treatments that offer you the best chance for a longer, better quality of life.
As one of Florida’s leading academic health systems, Tampa General also has the ability to manage cancer patients with complex co-morbidities, such as pulmonary issues or cardiac complications. Our comprehensive offerings mean that we can provide all the care our patients need in one place. And since the majority of skin cancer diagnoses happen in a dermatologist’s office, we work seamlessly with providers both within and beyond our system to develop a care plan for our patients that considers every step in their journey.
The TGH-USF Health Precision Medicine Biorepository supports skin cancer research through its collaboration with USF Health. The biorepository collects and stores specimens, including tissue from skin cancer patients, so we can study the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors associated with skin cancer. The goal of the repository is to improve skin cancer treatment and prevention through continually evolving treatment.
Specialized, Much-Needed Expertise for Transplant Patients
Tampa General’s Transplant Institute performed more transplants than any other center in the United States in 2024. Patients who receive transplants are often on lifelong immunosuppressive medication, which significantly increases a person’s risk of developing aggressive skin cancer. In these instances, our team works in unison with our leading transplant program to diagnose and treat their skin cancer. That work includes close collaboration with transplant pharmacists for on-the-fly immunosuppression adjustments to provide patients with the most personalized care.
Our industry-leading work with transplant patients, paired with the fact that Florida is the Sunshine State and sees a higher rate of skin cancer than many other regions, means we’re equipped and ready to serve these patients every day.
Tampa General Hospital has been recognized as Top 10% in the Nation for Cancer Care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26.
Skin Cancer Specialists
Comprehensive cancer centers take a multidisciplinary approach to skin cancer treatment and the TGH team includes a broad, deep bench of skilled clinicians and providers. Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, radiologists and dermatopathologists all work together to develop the best treatment plan for your needs.
Our tumor board is a multidisciplinary team of specialists who meet regularly to review and discuss cases to determine the most effective, efficient, and personalized treatment plan for a patient. National standards of care are prioritized every step of the way.
Types of Skin Cancer We Treat
TGH’s Skin Cancer Center offers comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services for cutaneous oncology conditions, including these types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Skin Cancer Testing & Diagnostics
At the TGH Skin Cancer Center, we utilize advanced techniques and technologies to diagnose and properly stage skin cancer and related conditions, including:
- Surgical excision
- MRI
- PET Scan
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
- Lymph node dissections
- Reconstructive surgery
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
The TGH Skin Cancer Center offers multidisciplinary care for a variety of diagnoses. TGH patients have access to a full spectrum of treatment options, including in-clinic procedures that expedite care:
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Targeted Therapies
- Topical Treatments
TGH’s Skin Cancer Center emphasizes educating the community about skin cancer prevention, offering local screening opportunities. Without proper protection from the sun, the risk for developing skin cancers increases.
Skin Cancer Support Services
We know there’s a lot more to cutaneous oncology than just the actual treatment of skin cancer. With this in mind, we offer comprehensive support services to ensure that patients receive world-class care far beyond diagnosis and treatment.
Starting with our nurse navigator who will be with you every step of the way, our support services include genetic counseling, hospice services, nutrition services, oncology psychology services, an outpatient rehabilitation program (including physical, occupational, speech, lymphedema, and biofeedback therapy), palliative care, patient advocacy and education, patient and caregiver support groups, social work, spiritual care, a survivorship program and financial assistance. Our goal at TGH is to provide you with unparalleled clinical care and more.
Skin Cancer Research & Clinical Trials
We further demonstrate our continued commitment to world-class care through active participation in clinical trials, which can provide our patients with access to advanced therapies and technologies. To see how clinical trials are positively impacting patients, learn more about research and clinical trials at TGH.
Patient Stories
Baseball Hall of Famer and Philadelphia Phillies legend, Mike Schmidt, visited his dermatologist for something minor, but what followed may have saved his life. A biopsy revealed stage 3 melanoma that had spread to his lungs and brain. Thanks to advanced imaging, precision radiation and a cutting-edge immunotherapy just off clinical trial at the TGH Cancer Institute, Mike is now living what he calls a "bonus life." His story shows the impact of academic medicine and how the research-driven care at TGH is transforming outcomes for our patients every day.
