What makes Orange County one of the most desirable places to live on Earth is also what makes the Hoag Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program so vital to our community: the sun.
More than 1,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Orange County every year. That is a higher rate per capita than both state and national averages – and is why Hoag has invested in some of the most innovative technologies available while pioneering research to detect and treat melanoma and other skin cancers at the earliest stages possible.
Taking a multidisciplinary approach, Hoag offers therapies and technology not found anywhere else in the region. Our dermatologic oncologist treats cancer – and only cancer – and is an expert in Mohs surgery, which has been found to have the highest cure rate with less scarring than other methods. To track changes and skin over time, Hoag is the only hospital on the West Coat to offer Vectra WB360 3D Total Body Photographic Imaging, a walk-through machine that has 92 cameras that flash simultaneously to capture a patient’s entire skin surface in less than one second. Powered by an advanced photographic software that uses artificial intelligence, the system generates a 3D avatar of a patient’s entire body and maps out all moles and lesions with high-resolution fidelity. The system allows dermatologists at the Hoag Dermatologic Oncology program to monitor suspicious lesions and track changes over time, helping dermatologists detect skin cancer at the earliest stage, while avoiding unnecessary skin biopsies.
“Hoag bridges the worlds between an academic research facility and a community hospital. Our team provides the most innovative and advanced care while listening to each patient as an individual,” said Steven Q. Wang, M.D., medical director of dermatologic oncology and a renowned, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. “This is truly a collaborative organization committed to innovation and research to provide patients with the best possible care.”
High-risk patients can receive all of their care under one roof: prevention, monitoring, diagnosis and treatment. Hoag’s multidisciplinary approach brings together board-certified experts in medical oncology, precision medicine, immunotherapy, targeted radiation therapy, scientific research and plastic surgery.
In addition to offering the most advanced care of today, Hoag is committed to providing patients access to the most effective treatments of tomorrow through skin cancer research and groundbreaking clinical trials in precision medicine, immunotherapy/cell therapy, and molecular imaging and therapy (MIT) that few other institutions offer.
“Hoag is continuing to expand our world-class, comprehensive melanoma program,” said Thomas N. Wang, M.D., program director of melanoma and skin cancer, and a prominent researcher and nationally recognized author. “Our groundbreaking clinical trials are offering new options to skin cancer and melanoma patients that were unheard of even just a few years ago.”
As we strive to improve diagnostics and treatment options, Hoag also partners with high-risk patients to protect them from ever developing the disease.
“We are experts at treating cancer, but we would rather our patients not develop cancer in the first place,” said Dr. Steven Wang. “Because Hoag is such a collaborative and committed institution, we are able to partner with primary care physicians to wrap skin care into the overall message of maintaining health – exercise, eat right and protect yourself from the sun.”
For more information about diagnosis and treatment for melanoma and other skin cancer, visit hoag.org/melanoma.
