High-Risk Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Clinic

High-Risk Non-Melanoma clinic doctors see a patient.

Specialized care for those at greatest risk of skin cancer

The High-Risk Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Clinic provides comprehensive and coordinated care for patients at high risk for skin cancer. This includes organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, patients on long-term or drug-induced immunosuppression, and other patients with an increased risk of skin cancer, such as those with a genetic predisposition. 

Our team of a medical dermatologist and surgical dermatologist provide care that focuses on patient education, skin cancer prevention, and timely recognition and treatment of skin cancers. Our team may also collaborate with other providers (primary care, transplant, general dermatology, among others) to achieve the highest quality individualized care.

What to expect

At your appointment, you can expect:

  • A thorough skin exam.
  • A detailed education session regarding your individual risk of skin cancer.
    • Methods of reducing risk of developing skin cancers.
    • How to identify skin changes that may be concerning.
    • How to perform a self-skin exam, and how often.
  • An individualized follow-up plan based on your personal traits, health history, lifestyle and needs.

Frequently asked questions

Transplant recipients have a much higher risk of skin cancer than the general public due to the need for long term immunosuppressive medications. With immunosuppression, skin cancers can behave more aggressively than in non-transplant patients and, unfortunately, can occasionally be fatal. Seeing a dermatologist  is important for early detection and timely management of skin cancer.

Ideally, patients should be seen prior to, or soon after, their transplant. This allows us to determine your risk of skin cancer post-transplant and develop an appropriate skin cancer prevention plan.

However, even if you received a transplant years ago and/or have been on long-term immunosuppression, addressing your skin cancer risk and implementing a skin cancer prevention plan is worthwhile for your continuing health.

As an addition to care received at OHSU, clinical research plays an important role for patients and doctors. Organ transplants are increasingly common and, thanks to advances in care through research, patients are surviving longer than ever before.

With longer survival there is a potentially increasing risk of skin cancer in this high-risk group. Participating in research can advance skin cancer prevention and treatment for solid organ transplant patients and others at high risk for skin cancer. Although options may be available, participation in a research study is not a requirement to receive care through the clinic and by its doctors.

Clinic directors