Skin Cancer Treatment at the University of Colorado Cancer Center
Skin cancer forms in tissues of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer, accounting for about half of all cancer diagnosed in the United States. When cancer forms in cells that make pigment, it is called melanoma. Skin cancers that are not melanoma are either:
Basal cell – small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of the skin
Squamous cell – flat cells that form on the surface of the skin
More basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States each year than all other cancers combined—about 1 million, says the American Cancer Society. About 800,000 are basal cell and the rest are squamous cell.
Other types of rare skin cancers we treat are:
Merkel cell – a rare and highly aggressive cancer where malignant cancer cells develop on or just beneath the skin and in hair follicles
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas – a general term for many lymphomas of the skin
We Specialize in Skin Cancer
There are more than 100 different types of cancer. To ensure that we are always leading care at the cutting edge, UCCC has expert teams that each specialize in a small number of different cancer types. Because we are sub-specialized in Skin Cancer , we have treated the most common and the rarest types of cancer. And more experience equal better outcomes.
We’re the Region’s Only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of Colorado Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Rocky Mountain Region—and one of only 39 in the United States.
- This designation means that we are recognized as leaders in providing outstanding cancer care and cancer-related education, and in driving new research.
- No other cancer center in the region offers the expertise we do.
We’re One of the Nation’s Best Cancer Centers
U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked the University of Colorado Cancer Center’s adult patient care center at University of Colorado Hospital among the best cancer programs in the nation.
- In 2007, we ranked 35th overall and among the ten best in the West
- 5280 Magazine consistently votes our cancer doctors among the best in Colorado
- We have more cancer doctors listed among Best Doctors in America than any other cancer center in the region