Nathalie Zeitouni, MD, FAAD


Board-Certified Dermatologist
Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon
Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology

 

Dr. Nathalie Zeitouni is a nationally recognized Fellowship-Trained Mohs surgeon with experience in the multidisciplinary care of cutaneous oncology patients. She is currently a Professor of Dermatology at the University of Arizona COM Phoenix, and adjunct Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC) in Buffalo, NY. Her approach to care includes prevention, treatment, and research in the areas of Mohs surgery, skin cancer, dermatologic surgery, and melanoma. She is a national leader in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and known for her work with the rare forms of skin cancer, such as Merkel cell carcinoma, Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and Extramammary Paget’s disease. She is currently a board member of the American College of Mohs surgery and of the International Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Additionally, Dr. Zeitouni is a former board member of The International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative (ITSCC) and has significant expertise in the treatment of organ transplant patients who have a much higher risk of developing skin cancers.

As a recipient of numerous NCI and industry grants, Dr. Nathalie Zeitouni has a rich history researching the various aspects of skin cancers. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and given numerous national and international presentations.

Prior to joining U.S. Dermatology Partners, formerly Medical Dermatology Specialists Phoenix, she was the Section Leader at the University of Arizona Cancer Center at DHMC and held the position of Vice Chief of Dermatology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. Her distinguished career also includes serving as Chair of the Department of Dermatology and Director of the Mohs Surgery Fellowship at RPCCC in Buffalo, NY.

Additional Languages
  • LanguageIcon French
Specialties and Affiliations
  • American Board of Dermatology
  • American Academy of Dermatology

Clinic Locations

Medical Dermatology Specialists Phoenix
Medical Dermatology Specialists Phoenix

1331 N 7th St
#250
Phoenix, AZ 85006

(602) 354-5770

Services Offered By Nathalie Zeitouni, MD

What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal Cell Carcinoma, also known as basalioma or basal cell cancer, is the most common type of skin cancer and carries the least amount of risk, though it still requires attention. If caught and treated early, basal cell carcinomas are not likely to be life-threatening, but they do have the potential to cause disfigurement of the skin tissue.

Almost one million new cases of basal cell carcinoma are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and up to 30% of Caucasians may develop basal cell carcinomas in their lifetime.

Basal cell carcinoma treatment

Basal cell carcinoma can be treated by removing the affected area.

Skin cancer is considered low risk when the affected cells remain clustered in a single group. Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are rarely life-threatening. Though it is unlikely to spread to other parts of your body, if left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can move into nearby bone or other tissue.

Basal cell carcinoma typically begins as a small, shiny bump on the face, although it can occur on any part of the body.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancers, only accounts for about 4 percent of all skin cancer cases, but causes about 79 percent of skin cancer deaths.

Melanoma is a cancer of the skin that begins in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the pigment melanin. It is the leading cause of cancer death in women 25 to 30 years old and the second leading cause of cancer death in women 30 to 35 years old.

In some cases, melanoma occurs in melanocytes throughout the body, even if those parts have never been exposed to the sun.

 

What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

Skin cancer is a common concern in the U.S.  Estimates reported by the American Academy of Dermatology suggest one in five people in the U.S. will develop some form of skin cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma is among the rarest forms of skin cancer, wherein estimates by the Skin Cancer Foundation suggest that only one in 130,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma. Like melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer with a high mortality rate.  As with most potentially aggressive malignancies, early detection is the best way to decrease the risk of death associated with Merkel cell carcinoma. You can learn more about diagnosis and treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma on this page.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare form of skin cancer that arises from Merkel cells, cells that reside deeper in the skin and function to send ‘touch’ signals from outside the skin to the inside of the body.  The diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is ultimately made by an assessment under the microscope after a skin biopsy has been performed.  Skin biopsies are interpreted by dermatopathologists, doctors who specialize in evaluating skin under the microscope.  Dermatopathologists are well equipped to make this diagnosis accurately when skin tissue is submitted in a biopsy specimen.  Unfortunately, when Merkel cells become cancerous, they also become aggressive.  Merkel cell carcinoma can metastasize (spread) quickly, making it one of the most aggressive types of cancer.  While treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma may be successful, even with treatment Merkel cell carcinoma may evade what appears to be disease remission, and recur.

 

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates for all non-melanoma skin cancers. For certain cases of the most common types of skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma — the cure rate can be as high as 99 percent.

Mohs surgery is a highly specialized surgical technique used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers in which the surgeon removes all of the visible cancer, plus a small margin of the surrounding healthy tissue and examines it to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed at the time of surgery.

Before and After Mohs Surgery Technique

The Mohs surgery technique treats skin cancers by removing all of the visible cancer. Image Source: newhealthadvisor.com

During Mohs micrographic surgery — named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who first performed it in the 1930s — cancer is removed from the skin layer by layer until all cancerous cells have been removed. This type of surgery is most commonly used for cancers that have a high risk of re-occurrence. This technique allows for complete removal of the skin cancer while minimizing the removal of surrounding healthy skin.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year.

Skin cancer is the result of uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that takes place when skin cells suffer DNA damage and then mutate, causing them to multiply rapidly and form malignant (cancerous) tumors. Most skin cancers develop on the visible outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), particularly on sun-exposed areas such as the face, head, hands, arms and legs. They are usually easy to detect with a skin examination, which increases the chances of early diagnosis.

There are different types of skin cancer, each named for the type of skin cell from which they originate. The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Almost one million new cases of basal cell carcinoma are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Most skin cancers fall into one of three categories:

There are often warning signs that cancer is developing. The most common are pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratoses that often develop on sun-exposed areas. These tumors replace normal surrounding tissue and generally do not spread to other areas.

Skin cancer is considered low risk when the affected cells remain clustered in a single group. Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are rarely life-threatening.

Skin cancer is considered a high risk when cells have invaded surrounding tissues. The third most common skin cancer, malignant melanoma, can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

If skin cancer is detected before it has spread to surrounding tissues, the chances of a complete recovery and cure are excellent. High-risk forms of cancer like melanoma require more aggressive treatments.

Doctor removing mole from a patient's shoulder.

Suspicious moles should be watched closely, as they might indicate a cancerous growth.

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer that develops in the squamous cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. Although it is usually not life-threatening, it can be aggressive in some cases.

If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can grow large or spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications.

Dermatologist examining male patient's skin for signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Your dermatologist will be able to examine your skin for signs of squamous cell carcinoma.

What is an Online Dermatologist?

Telemedicine, also known as online dermatology, telehealth, or teledermatology, is the use of telecommunications technology to provide care across a distance. This includes using the Internet, cell phones, SMS messaging and even satellites to allow physicians and patients to communicate medical information. This technology has been available for over a decade now, but as it has gotten better and better, telemedicine has now become much more available, easy to use, and secure. If used in the right way, it is one of the best ways that we can improve access to care.

Because dermatology is a very visual field and a specialty in high demand, patient access is often challenged by long wait times. Meeting a dermatologist online can be a great way to provide patients with increased access to skin care. Teledermatology involves the use of real-time video streaming, or more commonly the transmission of still images, pictures, and video in combination with a patient’s medical information collected via questionnaire. Teledermatology can be utilized in many ways including physician-to-physician consultations, triage, follow-up care, and patient education.

Safe and Effective Skin Cancer Treatment

Photodynamic Therapy, often referred to simply as PDT, is a medical treatment that uses photosensitizing agents and light exposure to treat a range of conditions, including skin cancers, acne, and actinic keratosis (“pre-cancers”). You can learn more about photodynamic therapy on this page, and the U.S. Dermatology Partners team would love to hear from you if you’re interested in scheduling a consultation to discuss photodynamic therapy.  Simply use our online request form to schedule a consultation visit at the U.S. Dermatology Partners office closest to you.

Photodynamic Therapy PDT

Image Source: MedicineNet.com

Types of Chemical Peels Explained

When it comes to dermatological treatments that will help people reclaim a youthful glow, create an even skin tone, and minimize the appearance of scars, chemical peels offer a conservative solution that addresses all of these concerns. Chemical peels are versatile treatments that help to improve the health and appearance of the skin, and just about every patient could benefit from the procedure. If you’re interested in learning more, continue reading below or get in touch with a U.S. Dermatology Partners location near you to schedule your visit.

Insurance Plans Accepted By Nathalie Zeitouni, MD

What Our Patients Say

Nathalie Zeitouni, MD
5 Stars  I had skin cancer and needed Mohs Surgery. I did an extensive search for a doctor. I found Dr. Zeitouni. Dr. Zeitouni is the best doctor! She has an extensive education and background. Dr. Zeitouni is a nationally recognized Mohs and reconstructive surgeon. Not only is she a great Mohs Surgeon, but she is also a Professor! In addition to Dr. Zeitouni's full-time practice, she has taught and trained medical students, residents, and fellows as Professor of Dermatology at The University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix, AZ. Honors and awards include being named 'Exceptional Mentor' by the American Medical Women's Association, receiving the United University Professions Award six times from the State of New York, and being named 'Top American Doctor.' On top of this, she is exceptionally kind and empathetic to all. I am now cancer-free. I received the very Best Care! If you need care, I recommend Dr. Zeitouni. –
Source : Healthgrades – Feb 14, 2024
Nathalie Zeitouni, MD
5 Stars  Dr Z and her staff are absolutely the best!! I’m in the best place for my complicated skin management, hands down! I’ve received multiple services from this office and won’t go anywhere else. –
Source : Healthgrades – Feb 14, 2024
Nathalie Zeitouni, MD
5 Stars  Dr Zeitouni has been my specialist dermatologist since I was diagnosed with MCC. She did the first surgery 4 years ago and put me on a treatment plan that has kept me live. Her expertise in the field of skin cancers can not be understated. She is also a very nice and compassionate person, always taking time to ask how things are going and listen to any concerns. If you have a serious skin cancer she is without a doubt the Doctor you want! –
Source : Healthgrades – Feb 04, 2024