Melanoma can be
aggressive
and complex.
But it’s no match for our skin cancer experts.
Breakthrough melanoma treatments.
Trust the experts in diagnosing and treating early and advanced melanoma. Melanoma spreads more quickly than other types of skin cancer, and it can return to the same place, even after being cured. That’s why melanoma treatment is complex.
If you’ve been diagnosed, you need a team of highly-trained and experienced skin cancer specialists to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses both on removing cancer and preventing it from coming back in the future. At MedStar Health Cancer Network in Baltimore, your treatment plan will vary based on the size, location, and depth of your cancer.
Most commonly, melanoma treatment includes a combination of the following:
Melanoma treatments.
Surgery is typically the first step in treating melanoma, whether it’s in early or advanced stages. It involves removing the cancerous tumor, as well as surrounding tissue and affected lymph nodes when it has spread. For most people, this is enough to eliminate it.
During a sentinel lymph node evaluation, a surgical oncologist will make an incision to identify and remove any signs of cancer spreading to nearby lymph nodes. This ensures only affected lymph nodes are removed and it may minimize the need for more complicated surgery.
Immunotherapy uses medication to stimulate your immune system to find and destroy cancerous cells. Our oncologists and researchers are early adopters in immunotherapy, as our Maryland Melanoma Center was one of the first in the region to offer immunomodulator viral therapy for melanoma.
When cancer cells have certain mutations, targeted therapy uses special medications to stop cancer cells from multiplying. Your doctors may include this in your personalized treatment plan if mutations are found during genetic analysis of the cancer cells.
Our groundbreaking clinical trials are based on the latest research and modern medicine, giving you access to promising treatments before they’re available elsewhere. One study is looking at photodynamic therapy—making cancerous cells more sensitive to light, then killing them with a laser.
“Dr. Gupta is very personable. He explained everything in a way that I could understand. Very thoughtful and thorough.”
“Dr. McCarron is a wonderful doctor. He really cares about his patients. He's not in a hurry to get you out, he listens, and gives you answers and options.”
“Dr. Kumar is always attentive and engaged! She listens to my concerns, answers all my questions thoroughly, and treats me as a partner regarding my care. I feel that I am receiving the best care possible and I trust and respect Dr. Kumar tremendously!”
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency and Internship: Medical College of Georgia
Fellowship: University of Chicago Hospitals
Dr. Gupta is a board-certified surgical oncologist specializing in melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and cancers affecting the pancreas, liver, stomach, colon, rectum, and breast. In addition to treating patients at both MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, Dr. Gupta also serves as the Associate Program Director for MedStar Health’s general surgery residency program in Baltimore.
In 2017 and 2018, Dr. Gupta was recognized as a “Top Doc” in surgical oncology by Baltimore Magazine. He averages nearly five stars in patient ratings and consistently receives positive reviews for being personable, caring, and knowledgeable.
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency and Internship: MedStar Union Memorial Hospital at Baltimore
Fellowship: Roswell Park Memorial Institute
Dr. McCarron is a board-certified surgical oncologist specializing in the treatment of melanoma, endocrine disorders, and gastrointestinal malignancies. Dr. McCarron is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons as well as a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Most recently, Dr. McCarron was named a 2019 “Top Doc” in surgical oncology by Baltimore Magazine. He consistently receives five-star reviews for being a good listener, thorough, and friendly. When he is not practicing medicine, Dr. McCarron enjoys fishing, walking, and watching sporting events.
Medical School: East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine
Residency and Internship: Sinai Hospital/The Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Pallavi is a medical oncologist board certified in oncology and internal medicine. As the director of Immuno-Oncology for MedStar Health Cancer Network in Baltimore, she is at the forefront of advancing immune-based therapies and clinical trials in cancer treatment. Dr. Pallavi also specializes in general hematology and oncology with a focus on melanoma, gynecologic oncology, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Since 2016, Dr. Pallavi has been named a “Top Doc” by Baltimore Magazine for oncology. She averages nearly five stars in patient ratings and patients appreciate her compassion, expertise, and ability to explain care options.
Medical School: Medical School: University of The West Indies Faculty of Medicine (1997)
Residency and Internship: Morehouse School of Medicine (2006) Queen Elizabeth Hospital (1998)
Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center (2010)
Dr. Kamugisha is a medical oncologist board certified in hematology and medical oncology, as well as internal medicine. Dr. Kamugisha is experienced in treating a broad range of cancers with a specific clinical interest in breast and gastrointestinal diseases. She is the clinical research coordinator for medical oncology at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, which is part of the MedStar Health Cancer Network.
As a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Medical Association, Dr. Kamugisha strongly believes in the importance of using her medical expertise to help others and has volunteered with organizations such as MedShare International and the American Cancer Society. She is married with two young children.
Medical School: Tehran University (1997)
Residency and Internship: MedStar Union Memorial Hospital (2006)
Fellowship: National Cancer Institute (2009)
Dr. Mohebtash is medical director of the MedStar Franklin Square Cancer Center at Loch Raven Campus and chief of medical oncology and hematology. Fellowship-trained in medical oncology and hematology at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, she is board certified in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine. Dr. Mohebtash has extensive experience treating all types of cancer particularly breast, lung and colorectal cancer. Her clinical interests include cancer immunotherapy and cancer vaccine research and she runs a variety of clinical trials for several tumor types.
Medical School: John Hopkins Univ School of Med (1973)
Residency and Internship: Johns Hopkins Hospital (1975) Johns Hopkins Hospital (1974)
Fellowship: Baltimore Cancer Research Center (1977)
Dr. Padgett serves as chief of medical oncology at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.
Board certified in oncology and internal medicine, Dr. Padgett is fellowship-trained with more than 30 years of experience treating all types of cancer. Dedicated to the care of patients throughout their cancer journey.
Dr. Padgett is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Maryland Society of Oncology.
To meet with our experts
Three convenient locations in Baltimore
We offer convenient and safe in-person and video appointments.
Your health and safety is our top priority, which is why we offer easy access through in-person and video visits. When an in-person appointment is best, you can expect to receive care in a clean and safe environment.
Maryland Melanoma Center MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Suite 2200
Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus
Bel Air, MD 21015
Resources
Read our blog article: 7 simple ways to protect your skin in the sun.
Find out which sunscreen is best for you