Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.  It begins in the pigment cells (melanocytes), which produce skin color.  Most melanomas can be treated successfully if they are detected at an early stage.  The Northern California Melanoma Center at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital provides service to patients with melanoma, their physicians and the medical community. 

Under the direction of Lynn Spitler, MD, and Associate Director Robert Weber, MD, patients are evaluated by a panel of specialists, each bringing their expertise to a comprehensive assessment of treatment options available to each patient referred to the Center.  The panel consists of representatives from immunology, oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, plastic surgery and surgery.  The Center serves as a referral-consulting center - it is not a primary facility for the diagnosis of melanoma.  Patients come to the center having already been diagnosed with melanoma.

The center offers investigational treatments for patients in all stages of disease.

• For patients early in the course of the disease, there are investigational therapies aimed at boosting the immune response in an effort to prevent recurrence.
• For patients in whom the disease has already spread, there are programs aimed at inducing remission and prolonging remission once it is established.

The National Cancer Institute reports the highest risk factors for melanoma include:

• Fair skin that burns and freckles easily, especially those persons with blue/green eyes and blond/red hair
• High exposure to the sun including those who work in the sun or spend lots of recreational time in the sun
• Severe sunburn suffered as a youth (under the age of 20)
• Family history of melanoma increases the risk of developing the disease
• Large quantity of moles (50 or more)or atypical moles
• Risk increases with age
• Intense year-round sunshine

The National Cancer Institute recommends the ABCDE rule to help you remember the symptoms of melanoma:

A = Asymmetry (one half is different from the other half)
B = Border irregularity (the edges are notched, uneven or blurred)
C = Color (the color is uneven, shades of brown, tan and black are present
D = Diameter greater than 6 millimeters
E = Elevation an increase in height of a mole

Northern California Melanoma Center
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital
900 Hyde Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 353-6535
www.melanomacenter.com