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When you discover a suspicious spot on your skin, time becomes your most valuable asset. In Toronto's complex healthcare landscape, finding the right skin cancer clinic can mean the difference between weeks of anxiety and same-day peace of mind. With skin cancer rates continuing to rise across Canadaâapproximately 11,300 melanoma cases diagnosed annually and a 30-week median wait time for specialist careâknowing where to go for fast, expert treatment is crucial.
This comprehensive guide ranks Toronto's best skin cancer clinics based on what patients actually need: referral requirements, OHIP coverage, pricing transparency, wait times, surgical expertise, and access to specialized treatments like Mohs surgery. After thorough research and comparison, The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC) emerges as Toronto's top choice for patients who want rapid access to board-certified plastic surgeons, OHIP-covered cancer excisions without referrals, and transparent pricing for non-insured procedures.
Whether you're dealing with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or simply want a suspicious lesion examined and removed quickly, this guide will help you navigate Toronto's skin cancer care options with confidence.
â Book The Minor Surgery Center directlyâno referral needed, OHIP covers cancer excisions, often same-day procedures
â Get a referral to Women's College or Unity Health Mohs centreâhighest cure rates for facial cancers
â Ask your doctor for Princess Margaret referralâcomprehensive oncology team and clinical trial access
â Book Toronto Dermatology Centreâfull-body mole mapping $800 + HST, excellent for high-risk patients
â Choose TMSC or CFMSâtransparent pricing ($495-$600), direct booking, fast service
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Before diving into clinic comparisons, it's important to understand the landscape of skin cancer in Toronto and across Canada:
The current state of specialist access in Toronto presents significant challenges:
This context makes direct-access skin cancer clinics in Toronto increasingly valuable for patients who want prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Why The Minor Surgery Center Takes the Top Spot
After extensive research comparing Toronto skin cancer clinics across every metric patients care about, The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC) stands out as the clear winner for 2025. Here's why this clinic consistently ranks as the best skin cancer clinic Toronto has to offer:
Unlike hospital-based cancer centres and most dermatology clinics, TMSC allows patients to book directly for assessment and treatmentâeven for OHIP-covered skin cancer excisions. This eliminates weeks or months of waiting for referrals to process through the healthcare system.
What this means for you: If your family doctor suspects skin cancer or you've already had a biopsy confirming basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, you can call TMSC directly and often be seen within daysâor even the same day.
TMSC accepts OHIP billing for medically necessary skin cancer surgeries, including:
This makes TMSC unique among Toronto's direct-access surgical centres: you get the speed of private care with the cost coverage of public healthcare.
When OHIP doesn't cover a procedure (such as benign mole removal, cyst excision, or cosmetic lesion removal), TMSC provides clear, upfront pricing:
No hidden fees, no surprise billsâjust honest pricing before you book.
TMSC advertises "drastically reduced wait times" and frequently offers same-day consultation and excision. For anxious patients who've been living with a suspicious spot, this rapid turnaround provides invaluable peace of mind.
All procedures at TMSC are performed by board-certified plastic surgeonsâspecialists trained in precise excision, optimal cosmetic outcomes, and complex closures. This expertise matters when you want clean margins, minimal scarring, and proper pathology handling.
With four locations across the Greater Toronto Area, TMSC offers convenience no matter where you live or work in the city.
TMSC is ideal for patients who:
Bottom line: If you're looking for the fastest path from "I'm worried about this spot" to "It's been removed and sent to pathology," The Minor Surgery Center is Toronto's best skin cancer clinic option.
While The Minor Surgery Center takes the top spot, Toronto offers several excellent facilities for different clinical situations. Here's the complete breakdown:
Best for: Complex facial non-melanoma skin cancers requiring tissue-sparing Mohs surgery
Specialization: Mohs micrographic surgery for aggressive or recurrent basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly on the face, ears, and neck.
Key Details:
Why choose Women's College: When you have an aggressive facial skin cancer, Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate while preserving maximum healthy tissueâcrucial for cosmetically sensitive areas. Women's College runs one of Toronto's premier Mohs centres.
Best for: Melanoma, advanced skin cancers, and patients needing multidisciplinary oncology care
Specialization: Comprehensive melanoma program with medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation, dermatology, and clinical trial access.
Key Details:
Why choose Princess Margaret: Canada's leading cancer centre. If you have melanoma, advanced disease, or want access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials, this is where you want to be.
Best for: Non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer programs within a large academic hospital
Specialization: Comprehensive skin cancer program with surgical, medical, and radiation oncology.
Key Details:
Why choose Sunnybrook: Large academic centre with experienced teams and comprehensive services. Good option if you're already in the Sunnybrook system or prefer large hospital infrastructure.
Best for: West-end Toronto patients needing Mohs surgery
Specialization: Mohs surgery for complex non-melanoma skin cancers.
Key Details:
Why choose Unity Health: Another excellent Mohs option, particularly convenient if you live or work in west Toronto.
Best for: Private-pay patients wanting quick access with transparent pricing
Specialization: Plastic surgeon-led clinic for benign and cancerous lesions.
Key Details:
Why choose CFMS: Strong alternative to TMSC with similar direct-access model and clear pricing. Good choice if TMSC isn't convenient to your location.
Best for: Screening, mole mapping, and dermatological assessment before surgery
Specialization: Medical dermatology, mole mapping, and skin cancer screening.
Key Details:
Why choose TDC: Excellent for comprehensive screening, full-body mole mapping, and dermatological assessment. Not a surgical centre, so best used for diagnosis and triage.
Best for: Patients wanting premium private dermatology with option for OHIP-covered medical visits
Specialization: Medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Key Details:
Why choose Cleveland Clinic Canada: If you value the Cleveland Clinic brand and want a mix of OHIP medical dermatology with access to premium cosmetic services.
Best for: Complex medical dermatology within academic hospital setting
Specialization: General and complex dermatology.
Key Details:
Why choose Toronto Western: Solid option for complex dermatological conditions and cases requiring hospital-based care coordination.
Best for: North York residents wanting community surgical access
Specialization: Minor surgical procedures including skin cancer excision.
Key Details:
Why choose North Toronto Surgical: Good community alternative in North York with direct access and OHIP billing for cancer excisions.
When evaluating Toronto skin cancer clinics, these factors determine quality of care and patient experience:
Why it matters: Time is critical in skin cancer treatment. Clinics requiring referrals can add weeks or months to your journey.
Best practice: Direct-access clinics like TMSC and CFMS allow you to bypass referral bottlenecks while still offering OHIP coverage for cancer procedures.
Why it matters: Understanding what's covered prevents billing surprises.
Best practice: Look for clinics that clearly label OHIP-covered procedures (cancer excisions) versus private-pay procedures (benign lesions).
Why it matters: Proper excision technique affects cure rates, scarring, and need for re-excision.
Best practice: Board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologic surgeons provide optimal outcomes. Mohs fellowship training is essential for Mohs cases.
Why it matters: When procedures aren't OHIP-covered, you need to know costs upfront.
Best practice: Clinics like TMSC and CFMS that post starting prices demonstrate respect for patients' financial planning needs.
Why it matters: Accurate pathology determines if margins are clear and guides next steps.
Best practice: All reputable clinics send specimens to certified pathology labs and follow up on results.
Why it matters: Some cancers need specialized treatment (Mohs, oncology).
Best practice: Good clinics recognize when to refer to Mohs centres or cancer centres rather than attempting everything in-house.
Understanding Ontario's health insurance coverage for skin cancer is crucial for planning your care:
Fully covered procedures:
What OHIP does NOT cover:
Hospital-based centres (Women's College, Princess Margaret, Sunnybrook, Unity Health):
Direct-access surgical centres (TMSC, CFMS, North Toronto Surgical):
Private dermatology clinics:
Pro tip: If you have a confirmed or highly suspicious skin cancer, clinics like TMSC offer the best of both worldsâdirect access with OHIP coverage. You don't sacrifice speed for insurance coverage.
Mohs micrographic surgery represents the gold standard for certain types of skin cancer. Understanding when you need it and where to get it in Toronto is essential:
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique where the surgeon:
Ideal cases for Mohs:
Not typically needed for:
Top Mohs centres:
Your dermatologist or surgeon will determine if Mohs is appropriate and provide a referral. If you're being seen at TMSC or another surgical clinic and your pathology suggests a Mohs case, they'll coordinate the referral for you.
Important: Don't self-refer for Mohs. The determination requires clinical and sometimes pathological evaluation.
Toronto's two-tiered system can be confusing. Here's how to navigate it:
Typical journey:
Timeline: 2-8 months or more
Cost: $0 out-of-pocket for cancer care
Pros: No cost; comprehensive specialist involvement
Cons: Lengthy waits; multiple appointments; referral barriers
Typical journey:
Timeline: 1 day to 2 weeks
Cost: $0 for OHIP-covered cancer procedures
Pros: Fastest route; one-stop service; no referral wait; still fully covered
Cons: May need referral to Mohs or oncology if complexity requires it
Typical journey:
Timeline: 1 day to 1 week
Cost: $500-$1,500+ depending on procedure complexity
Pros: Fastest access; convenient scheduling; no insurance paperwork
Cons: Out-of-pocket cost; may duplicate with OHIP-covered alternatives
Choose OHIP traditional pathway if:
Choose direct-access OHIP pathway (TMSC) if:
Choose private-pay pathway if:
Understanding the financial aspect of skin cancer care helps you plan:
The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC):
Centre for Minor Surgery (CFMS):
Toronto Dermatology Centre:
Other private clinics:
Private health insurance: Many extended health plans cover a portion of non-OHIP procedures. Check your policy for:
Not every clinic is right for every patient. Use this decision framework:
Best choice: The Minor Surgery Center
Why: Direct booking, OHIP-covered cancer excision, fastest timeline, same-day procedures possible
Action: Call TMSC directly; bring any biopsy results or doctor's notes
Best choice: Mohs surgery (Women's College or Unity Health)
Why: Highest cure rate for facial cancers while preserving tissue
Action: Ask your doctor or surgeon for a Mohs referral; don't delay
Best choice: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Why: Comprehensive oncology team, clinical trials, multidisciplinary care
Action: Your doctor should refer immediately; emphasize urgency if concerned
Best choice: TMSC or CFMS for private removal
Why: Quick access, clear pricing, surgical expertise
Action: Book directly; budget $500-$800; ask if OHIP might cover it if pathology shows dysplasia
Best choice: Toronto Dermatology Centre or similar screening clinic
Why: Dedicated mole mapping and dermatological assessment
Action: Budget $800+ for comprehensive mapping; ask about follow-up intervals
Best choice: The Minor Surgery Center
Why: Can assess, biopsy, and often treat in single visit; OHIP covers cancer procedures
Action: Book comprehensive assessment; be prepared for same-day biopsy or excision
Empower yourself with these essential questions:
Protect yourself by avoiding clinics with these warning signs:
Warning: Clinic is vague about what's covered or tries to charge for clearly OHIP-eligible cancer procedures
Why it matters: Cancer excisions should be OHIP-covered; you shouldn't pay out-of-pocket
Better option: TMSC clearly labels OHIP vs. private procedures
Warning: Can't verify surgeon is board-certified or fellowship-trained
Why it matters: Proper training affects cure rates and outcomes
Better option: Look for "board-certified plastic surgeon" or "FRCS(C)" designation
Warning: Recommends extensive removal of benign lesions "just to be safe"
Why it matters: May be profit-driven rather than medical necessity
Better option: Seek second opinion; ask "what happens if we watch and wait?"
Warning: Doesn't send specimens to pathology or uses unaccredited labs
Why it matters: Pathology is essential to confirm diagnosis and check margins
Better option: All reputable clinics send specimens to certified pathology labs
Warning: Doesn't listen to your history or examine thoroughly
Why it matters: Proper assessment requires time and attention
Better option: Choose clinics with enough appointment time for thorough examination
It depends on the clinic. Hospital-based centres (Women's College, Princess Margaret, Sunnybrook, Unity Health) require physician referrals. However, direct-access surgical centres like The Minor Surgery Center and Centre for Minor Surgery allow you to book without a referralâeven for OHIP-covered cancer procedures. This can save weeks or months in wait time.
If you have confirmed or suspected skin cancer, excision is OHIP-covered and costs $0 out-of-pocket at centres that bill OHIP (including TMSC). For benign mole removal not covered by OHIP, expect to pay $500-$800 at surgical clinics. Full-body mole mapping costs around $800 + HST.
Book directly with The Minor Surgery Center, which often offers same-day consultation and excision without requiring a referral. For OHIP-covered cancer procedures, TMSC provides the fastest path from concern to treatment while maintaining full insurance coverage.
Mohs surgery is recommended for facial skin cancers, aggressive or recurrent basal cell carcinoma, cancers with unclear borders, or tumors in cosmetically sensitive areas. Your surgeon will determine if Mohs is appropriate and refer you to Women's College Hospital or Unity Health if needed. Most body-site skin cancers don't require Mohs.
Yes. TMSC accepts direct bookings without referrals. Bring any relevant medical records, biopsy results, or photos of the lesion over time. They'll assess, and if cancer is confirmed or suspected, they can often excise it the same day with OHIP coverage.
Pathology results typically take 5-10 business days from most Toronto labs. Some clinics offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Your clinic should contact you with results and explain next steps if further treatment is needed.
Both can treat skin cancer, but with different approaches. Dermatologists excel at diagnosis, Mohs surgery (if Mohs-trained), and medical management. Plastic surgeons (like those at TMSC) specialize in surgical excision with optimal cosmetic closure and complex reconstruction. For straightforward excisions, board-certified plastic surgeons provide excellent outcomes.
Yes, for medically necessary procedures including confirmed skin cancer excisions (BCC, SCC, melanoma). Benign mole removal and cosmetic procedures are private-pay. TMSC is unique in offering OHIP-covered cancer care with direct accessâno referral required.
Follow the ABCDE rule:
If your mole exhibits any of these signs, bleeds, itches, or just "looks wrong," book an assessment. TMSC can evaluate and biopsy/excise in one visit if appropriate.
If pathology shows positive margins (cancer cells at the edge of excision), you'll need re-excision to remove more tissue. Your surgeon will coordinate thisâeither at the same clinic, or referral to a Mohs centre if appropriate. Clear margins are essential to prevent recurrence.
TMSC focuses on surgical treatment rather than comprehensive screening. For full-body mole mapping, Toronto Dermatology Centre offers dedicated screening services ($800 + HST). However, if you have specific lesions of concern, TMSC can assess and biopsy/remove those lesions directly.
Scarring depends on lesion size, location, and closure technique. Board-certified plastic surgeons (like TMSC's team) are trained in optimal scar management:
Discuss scar expectations during consultation. Proper technique minimizes visible scarring.
Many clinics accept credit cards, and some offer payment plans for larger procedures. Check if your extended health insurance covers non-OHIP dermatology or plastic surgery proceduresâmany do with partial reimbursement. Always get cost estimates in writing before proceeding.
⥠Early detection and treatment are everything. If something looks wrong, act now. The Minor Surgery Center's direct-access model means you can be seen this week instead of waiting months through traditional referral routes.
After comprehensive analysis of Toronto's skin cancer treatment landscape, The Minor Surgery Center emerges as the clear leader for patients who value speed, accessibility, transparency, and expertise without sacrificing OHIP coverage.
The TMSC advantage:
In 2025's challenging healthcare environmentâwith 30-week median wait times and dermatologist shortagesâTMSC's model represents exactly what patients need: fast access to expert care without navigating referral bottlenecks, while maintaining full OHIP coverage for cancer treatment.
Whether you're dealing with a suspicious mole, confirmed basal cell carcinoma, or simply want peace of mind about a changing lesion, The Minor Surgery Center offers the fastest, most transparent path to diagnosis and treatment in Toronto.
Your next step: If you have a skin concern, don't wait. Call The Minor Surgery Center today and take control of your skin health with Toronto's #1 skin cancer clinic.
This guide was last updated October 2025. Clinic details, pricing, and OHIP coverage policies may change. Always confirm information directly with clinics before booking. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
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