Dermatology

Find expert care for skin-deep concerns

Our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants work with patients of all ages to diagnose and treat skin-related diseases, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, and skin cancer. They also treat hair and nail disorders, and issues affecting the inside lining of the mouth and eyes.

Receive help preventing skin-related diseases with complete skin and mole exams and advice on how to protect skin from sun damage. We offer minor cosmetic surgeries and skin cancer surgeries.

Mohs surgery is the preferred option for many skin cancers appearing on the face, neck, and other cosmetically sensitive areas. The procedure offers the highest possible cure rate with the smallest amount of skin removal. Our expert Mohs providers and staff work out of a dedicated Mohs Surgery Suite that offers a comfortable and calming atmosphere. Select the Mohs tab above to learn more.

If you notice something concerning about your skin, or if you want to establish a baseline so you can monitor any changes to your skin, ask your primary care provider for a referral.

How we can help

• Acne treatment
• Blue light photodynamic therapy (SC location only)
• Hair disorder diagnosis and treatment
• Minor skin surgeries
• Mohs surgery for skin cancers with on-site Mohs lab (Gateway location only)
• Mole and skin cancer examinations
• Pediatric dermatology care
• Phototherapy treatment (SC location only)
• Premalignant lesions and skin cancer evaluation and treatment
• Preventative skin care
• Psoriasis treatment, including the use of systemic biologic agents
• Rash and atopic dermatitis care and treatment
• Vascular laser therapy treatment (CTC location only)
• Wart, cyst, seborrheic keratosis, and benign growth evaluation and management

Mohs is a special type of surgery used to remove skin cancers—typically basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Mohs is most often recommended for cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the head, neck, hands, and genitals.

Mohs surgery is extremely precise, providing a higher cure rate and requiring less skin removal than other types of skin cancer surgeries. During the procedure, a Mohs surgeon numbs the area, removes a small section of skin, and checks the entire cut edge for cancerous cells. If necessary, additional layers are removed and checked during the same visit. It typically takes one to two “stages” to eliminate the cancer cells, although occasionally it takes more.

All Mohs surgeries performed at Vancouver Clinic are scheduled at our dedicated Mohs Surgery Suite at Gateway Salmon Creek. The waiting area features large windows and a beautiful view of our Northwest trees, creating a comfortable and calming atmosphere. Behind the scenes, the lab is equipped with state-of-the-art tools that give providers and staff the accurate picture they need to provide exceptional care.

The procedure is minimally painful. Surgeries on the head and neck take about a week to heal, with spots on the legs taking a little longer. To learn more about the Mohs process, please talk to your dermatologist or ask for a referral.

I have a skin concern but don’t have a primary care or family medicine doctor to give me a referral. What should I do?
While we believe that keeping your primary care doctor involved in your care helps you stay healthier overall, we understand that people move and situations change. We accept self-referrals through our patient appointment line: 360-882-2778. If you wish, a patient services representative can set you up with a primary care provider as well.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring your proof of insurance, photo ID, and copay to every appointment. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to fill out the paperwork.