Led by the Chief of Maimonides’ Division of Dermatology, the new interdisciplinary team at Maimonides Medical Center specializes in Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy, and rehabilitation. This team aims to address quality-of-life issues for patients with suspected and confirmed melanoma.
The center adopts a collaborative approach to care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. It is part of Brooklyn’s first fully accredited cancer center, which annually serves over 30,000 patients across 18 oncology specialties. The center includes surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, along with plastic surgeons and dermatopathologists. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies have significantly advanced skin cancer treatment recently. These advancements allow more patients to survive melanoma longer. Maimonides’ medical oncologists are proficient in administering these latest treatments for complex cancer cases.
Dr. Buchen stated his vision for the Melanoma Center: “My vision for the Melanoma Center is a hub for care that brings the best of all the disciplines offered at Maimonides directly to our melanoma patients, with an emphasis on ease of access.” He emphasized making the process patient-focused and compassionate from diagnosis to remission. Dr. Buchen also highlighted early diagnosis and intervention as crucial elements.
Dr. Weissman expressed enthusiasm about having a multidisciplinary resource available: “As Chair of Medicine and as a primary care physician, I’m thrilled to have a multidisciplinary resource for patients with melanoma or at high risk for melanoma.”
In New York state alone, over 4,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year. Though it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, it remains the deadliest type. Early detection is critical; if caught before spreading beyond its original site, the five-year survival rate exceeds 98%.
Certain factors increase melanoma risk: red or blond hair; blue or green eyes; fair skin; high mole density; large birthmarks; inherited mutations; family history; certain cancer syndromes; and weakened immune status. At Maimonides’ Division of Dermatology, dermatologists provide total-body skin examinations tailored to each patient’s risk level.
For further information or appointment scheduling inquiries can be made directly.
