Petersen/Turofsky Melanoma & Skin Oncology Rapid Assessment Clinic

What We Do

Waiting to find out whether a concerning skin lesion is cancer can take time and be very stressful for patients and their families. In Ontario, long wait times for dermatology appointments can delay assessment, even when a lesion may be high-risk.

The Petersen/Turofsky Melanoma & Skin Oncology Rapid Assessment Clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre helps people with suspicious or urgent skin lesions get assessed more quickly. Most skin lesions are not cancer. Getting a diagnosis quickly means that many people will spend less time worrying. For those who find out they have cancer, it means getting treatment sooner.

• See also: Melanoma & Skin Oncology Site Group at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
• See also: Melanoma & Skin Oncology Clinic​
  

What to Expect

Learn more about preparing for your first appointment in the Guide to the Princess Margaret.

The Team

Treating and caring for people with cancer takes a well-coordinated team. Your team at the Rapid Diagnostic Centre is made up of world-class health care professionals working together for you and with you.​

Leadership

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Benign Skin Lesions (Not Cancer)

Most skin lesions are not cancer. These are called benign skin lesions. If you need any follow-up appointments or treatments, the Petersen/Turofsky Rapid Assessment Clinic will arrange these appointments for you.

If you have any questions about benign skin lesions, talk to a member of your health care team. They are here to support you.

Skin Cancer

There are many different types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and many treatment options. If you need any follow-up appointments or treatments, the Petersen/Turofsky Rapid Assessment Clinic will arrange these for you.

Read the resources below to learn more. Talk to a member of your health care team if you have any questions. They are here to support you.

Surgery

• Your Guide to Having a Wide Local Excision and Lymph Node Surgery for Melanoma
• Surgery at UHN

Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment: Immune Check Point Inhibitors (ICI)
• Systemic Therapy Unit at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Radiation Therapy

• What to Expect When Getting Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer
• Radiation Therapy Centre at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Coping and Support

Learn more about support resources available at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre:

• Psychosocial Oncology Clinic
• Spiritual Care
• Social Work​