Desiree Ratner, M.D.
George H. Fox Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology

A key part of our surgical program is our Multidisciplinary Melanoma group, which evaluates and provides treatment for patients with melanoma in new, state-of-the-art facilities. The group includes physicians and nurses who specialize in the treatment of melanoma, including members of the Departments of Dermatology, Surgical Oncology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Dermatopathology and Otolaryngology. Patients with newly diagnosed melanomas, as well as patients with high risk, recurrent or metastatic melanomas, are seen in the Multidisciplinary Center by one or more members of the group. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Treatment options offered within the Center include: wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node dissection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine protocols. A multidisciplinary conference is held weekly to discuss the patients seen in the Center and to obtain consensus on the most appropriate course of treatment for each of them.

Office Hours, Location and Fax: Melanoma Center Herbert Irving Pavilion Every Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am  161 Fort Washington Avenue – Garden Level New York, NY 10032           Tel:  212-305-3625           Fax: 212-342-0280 Insurance accepted: Aetna Cigna POS-Columbia University ONLY Empire B/C B/S Oxford Medicare United Healthcare

Julide Tok Celebi, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Dermatology

Dr. Julide Tok Celebi, offers melanoma risk assessment as a part of the clinical programs in the Department of Dermatology and the Melanoma Center at Columbia University.

It is estimated that 1 in 52 men and 1 in 77 women in the US will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime.  Despite the fact that melanoma is one of the most rapidly increasing forms of human cancer,  new treatments have been slow in developing and the mortality rate continues to rise.  We now know that there are several well-defined risk factors for this form of cancer.  Identifying patients at high risk for melanoma and maintaining close surveillance will help assure early detection and implementation of treatment as early as possible.

This program is designed to identify and monitor patients at high risk for melanoma, specifically those with:

• A prior melanoma
• Family history of melanoma
• Atypical/dysplastic nevi
• Large number of nevi
• “Atypical Mole” syndrome (“Dysplastic Nevus” syndrome)

As a part of the program, patients will also be informed about genetic testing.  This service is available at our East Side facility (16 East 60th Street) that is equipped with state-of-the-art Mole Map imaging technology for diagnosis and surveillance.  Appointments for consultation can be scheduled by calling 212-326-8889.

We are pleased to offer this program as a part of Columbia’s melanoma patient-care services.

• Office Location and Fax: 

            Columbia University Medical Center - Eastside
            16 East 60th Street 
            New York, NY 10021
            Tel:  212-326-8889
            Fax: 212-326-8567