The group of oncological skin diseases includes benign, malignant, and borderline tumors. At TAMC, we frequently diagnose malignant skin tumors, which are the most widespread form of cancer. These tumors often appear on areas of the skin exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly in individuals with light skin tones who are more susceptible to sun-related skin damage. Malignant tumors may also appear years after radiation therapy or exposure to carcinogens.
If you notice any suspicious lesion on your skin, it is essential to consult a dermatologist. The doctor will thoroughly examine the lesion and your entire skin surface and may recommend additional tests. If the diagnosis suggests or confirms a malignant skin tumor, the patient will be referred to a qualified oncologist.
Such specialists work at the oncology department of Tel Aviv Medical Clinic.
We offer our patients:
- Effective, safe, and modern diagnostics. All required tests can be completed on-site within 3 to 4 business days.
- A multidisciplinary approach to each case, meaning a team of professionals treats each patient together.
- Individualized care. Treatment protocols are tailored to the patient’s condition and personal characteristics.
- All our patients have the opportunity to participate free of charge in clinical trials involving new medications and treatment methods.
- Innovative genetic diagnostics to not only confirm the exact diagnosis but also identify molecular-genetic characteristics of tumor cells and formulate the most effective personalized treatment plan.
- Advanced and sometimes experimental treatment methods for skin cancer.
- The possibility of being treated by world-renowned specialists in Israel.
- Modern immunobiological therapies – Vismodegib and Sonidegib (Hedgehog pathway inhibitors), Cemiplimab (PD-1 receptor inhibitor), Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Cemiplimab (Libtayo), Imiquimod, Erlotinib (Tarceva), Panitumumab.
- Minimally invasive surgeries – Mohs micrographic surgery, laser and photodynamic removal, cryotherapy.
- Radiation therapy using modern and safe irradiation equipment.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer | When to See a Doctor in Israel
Skin Cancer Symptoms – What You Shouldn’t Ignore (TAMC Tel Aviv)
Malignant tumors of the skin represent a significant portion of adult cancer cases, with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma being the most prevalent forms.
Less common skin cancers:
- Paget’s disease (nipple cancer) or extramammary Paget’s disease (usually near the anus).
- Kaposi’s sarcoma.
- Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Atypical fibroxanthoma.
- Skin appendage tumors (e.g., sweat glands).
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides).
- Bowen’s disease – superficial squamous cell carcinoma.
- Keratoacanthoma – a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma variant.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of malignant skin tumor, typically affecting fair-skinned individuals with a history of sun exposure. It is rarely found in people with dark skin. BCC is also associated with genetic syndromes. This type of cancer begins in the cells adjacent to the basal zone of the skin. Metastasis is rare, but local invasion may be severe. Diagnosis is based on biopsy. Treatment depends on tumor characteristics and may involve curettage and electrocautery, surgical excision, cryodestruction, topical chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation or systemic chemotherapy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma )SCC) ranks as the second most prevalent type of skin malignancy. It can develop on normal skin or areas with pre-existing keratosis, leukoplakia, or burn scars. This malignancy originates in the epidermis and spreads to the dermis. It usually affects sun-exposed skin. Local destruction can be significant, and metastases may occur in later stages. Diagnosis is via biopsy. Treatment includes curettage and electrocautery, surgical excision, cryodestruction, or radiation therapy.
Skin lymphoma is a malignant disease of the skin, which is characterized by the development of skin lesions by altered lymphoid cells (T- and B-lymphocytes). The pathology is rare, has a chronic and long-term course, mainly adults are affected. It occurs with equal frequency among both women and men. The course of the disease depends on the degree of malignancy of the process and the types of cells that give rise to the tumor.
Melanoma primarily occurs on the skin but can also appear on mucous membranes (oral cavity, genitals, perineum, conjunctiva), the eye’s uveal tract, and nail beds. It is the third most common skin cancer. Melanomas vary in size, shape, and color and can be highly invasive and metastatic. They arise from pigment-containing melanocytes. The prognosis is poor with widespread metastases. Diagnosis is by biopsy. Treatment is comprehensive.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive skin cancer that starts in the skin’s neuroendocrine cells. It accounts for less than 1% of all skin tumors, with 650–700 new cases diagnosed annually. The highest incidence is observed among individuals aged 65–70. Men are affected approximately 1.5 times more often than women.
Who Is at Risk of Skin Cancer? Key Factors Explained by Israeli Specialists
Skin Cancer Risk Factors – What Israeli Patients Need to Know:
- Prolonged UV exposure.
- Electrical injuries.
- High temperature and ionizing radiation exposure.
- Contact with carcinogens (arsenic, cadmium, tar, soot, etc.).
- Certain genetic syndromes and diseases.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer | When to See a Doctor in Israel
Skin Cancer Symptoms – What You Shouldn’t Ignore (TAMC Tel Aviv)
Unlike other cancers, skin cancers can often be detected early by observing changes in the skin. If any suspicious lesion appears, consult a dermatologist.
Signs to watch for:
- New moles, nodules, rashes, ulcers, pigmented or depigmented spots.
- Changes in mole size, shape, texture, color, or the appearance of inflammation, halos, bleeding, or discharge.
- Pain, burning, or itching in the lesion.
- Frequent trauma to a specific skin lesion.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis in Israel – Tests, Biopsy & Imaging at TAMC
How We Diagnose Skin Cancer | Advanced Methods at Tel Aviv Medical Clinic
Diagnosis is usually straightforward. Upon identifying a suspicious lesion, the dermatologist conducts an exam, dermatoscopy (magnification up to 20x), and collects a thorough medical history. If the lesion is suspicious or borderline, a biopsy is performed, and the patient is referred to an oncologist.
Biopsy is the main method for diagnosing malignant skin tumors. Since these lesions are on the surface, biopsies are technically simple. All samples are sent to leading pathology labs in Israel to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
In confirmed malignant cases, additional immunohistochemical and molecular-genetic analyses are performed to identify mutations or receptors that can serve as drug targets for personalized therapies.
The second diagnostic stage is cancer staging using imaging methods – MRI, CT (with or without contrast), ultrasound, PET-CT, PET-MRI, and bone scans.
A detailed diagnosis with cancer staging helps determine the most effective treatment.
Genetic Diagnostics
After biopsy, innovative molecular-genetic testing is available to identify the genetic profile of tumor cells. Samples are collected at TAMC and sent to leading laboratories in Israel, Germany and United States.
Examples of skin cancer testing:
- MCMLN | Melanoma Panel.
- Gene mutations: BAP1, BRAF, CDKN2A, CTNNB1, EIF1AX, GNA11, GNAQ, HRAS, KIT, KRAS, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, NF1, NRAS, SF3B1, TERT promoter.
What Is the Prognosis for Skin Cancer? Answers from TAMC Experts
Skin Cancer Survival Rates & Outlook | Personalized Care in Israel
The prognosis primarily depends on the cancer type and stage at diagnosis. For BCC, prognosis is almost always favorable. Melanoma is more severe. Five-year survival also depends on early diagnosis and treatment intensity.
How Skin Cancer Is Treated in Israel – Modern Methods & Clinical Trials
Treatment depends on diagnosis and stage. Benign/borderline lesions are treated surgically only. Often, excision is narrow, without affecting healthy tissue. Methods include electrocautery, cryodestruction, laser coagulation, and radiofrequency ablation – often leaving no scars.
TAMC patients can join clinical trials for new drugs or experimental treatments, sometimes the only hope when standard protocols fail.
- Electrocautery – high-intensity electric current to remove lesions painlessly in one visit.
- Laser therapy – the localized use of laser energy, offering minimal tissue trauma and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
- Cryodestruction – freezing the tumor before removal.
- Surgical excision – especially when tumors are near mucous membranes (e.g., lips). Mohs surgery is used to ensure clean margins with intraoperative microscopic evaluation.
In early-stage malignancies with no metastasis, wide surgical excision is preferred to prevent recurrence. Reconstructive surgery is often needed, especially on the face or exposed areas.
In stages 3–4, treatment is expanded to include:
- Radiation therapy – using modern linear accelerators (IMRT, VMAT, SRT, SRS) and brachytherapy.
- Chemotherapy – though melanoma resists standard chemo, advanced cases receive:
- Targeted therapy – vemurafenib, dabrafenib, encorafenib (BRAF inhibitors).
- Immunotherapy – PD-1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab), CTLA-4 antibody (ipilimumab).
TIL Therapy at TAMC – an innovative immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma. Effective in 50% of patients, with 25% potentially cured.
Each patient’s treatment plan is developed by a multidisciplinary team. Based on experience and patient-specific details, our experts adjust protocols, doses, and modalities to ensure optimal outcomes.
Worried about skin cancer? We’re here to help.
Get a fast diagnosis, advanced treatment plan, and access to leading specialists – all in one place in Tel Aviv.
📞 Call us: +972-73-374-6844
📧 Email: [email protected]
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FAQ about Skin Cancer Treatment in Israel?
1. Can I go to the TAMS clinic for private treatment?
Yes, our clinic provides the opportunity for private treatment of skin cancer in Israel. We accept patients from Israel and all over the world for treatment and consultation.
2. Can I sign up for an online consultation?
Yes, you can. TAMC offers online consultations with leading skin cancer specialists (second opinion) with a skin cancer specialist. To do this, you need to write to the email [email protected] or write to WhatsApp +972523373108 and our staff will promptly respond to you and help. You can also contact the medical tourism department regarding coming to Israel for treatment
3. Do we treat Melanoma?
Yes. Israel is famous as a country that has extensive experience in treating Melanoma, since Israel is a country with a lot of sun and, unfortunately, there are many patients with Melanoma. We also use advanced melanoma therapy in Tel Aviv. Our Melanoma specialists also participate in experimental work on the treatment of Melanoma both in its initial stages and in advanced (stage 3-4 Melanoma) stages of the Melanoma disease.
4. Do we treat Skin Cancer in the last stages?
Yes. In our center there are specialists who are responsible for clinical work in the field of Oncology and in particular in the direction of Skin Cancer. You can apply for Clinical trials for patients with skin cancer by e-mail [email protected] or write to WhatsApp +972523373108 and our staff will promptly respond to you and help.
5. What is the best treatment for skin cancer in Israel?
At TAMC in Tel Aviv, we provide advanced and personalized treatment plans for skin cancer, including surgical removal (Mohs surgery), immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and access to clinical trials. The choice depends on the type and stage of the cancer.
6. Can international patients receive skin cancer treatment in Israel?
Yes. TAMC offers full coordination for international patients, including remote consultations, second opinions, and complete diagnostic and treatment programs in English, Russian, or Hebrew.
7. What is the best treatment for skin cancer?
Diagnosis at TAMC includes dermatologist evaluation, dermatoscopy, biopsy, and advanced molecular testing. We also use imaging techniques like MRI, CT, and PET-CT to determine the cancer stage.
8. Are clinical trials for skin cancer available in Israel?
Absolutely. Patients at TAMC may qualify for participation in clinical trials involving new immunotherapy or targeted drugs.
9. What is the cost of private skin cancer treatment in Israel?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of diagnosis and treatment. We offer personalized quotes after reviewing your medical documents. Consultations, genetic testing, and surgery can be arranged within days.
10. How long does it take to receive treatment after diagnosis?
At TAMC, most patients begin treatment within 3–5 working days after completing diagnostic procedures. We offer all services under one roof to minimize waiting times.
