Skin Cancer Clinic North York: OHIP-Covered BCC, SCC and Melanoma Removal

Last updated: October 27, 2026

Our skin cancer clinic north york location, at 2920 Dufferin Street, assesses, biopsies, and removes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma under local anesthetic. The service is OHIP-covered, no doctor's referral is required, and procedures are performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons. A free consultation is available by calling (647) 614-1611.

Skin Cancer Clinic in North York

A suspicious spot does not need to sit on a waiting list for months before someone looks at it. Our North York clinic exists so that residents of Downsview, Lawrence Heights, Yorkdale, Bedford Park, and midtown Toronto can get a lesion checked, biopsied if needed, and removed without jumping through referral hoops first.

We see patients who found a new mole, were told by their family doctor that something "looks off," or have already been diagnosed with BCC, SCC, or melanoma and need a surgeon to remove it. Our team works within the OHIP system, so the financial barrier that sometimes delays care simply does not apply to confirmed skin cancer.

What skin cancers do we treat at our North York clinic?

We treat the three most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, plus precancerous lesions and suspicious moles that need a closer look. Each type behaves differently, so the approach to removal varies.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common form of skin cancer and tends to grow slowly, often appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, sometimes with visible blood vessels [Canadian Dermatology Association]. It rarely spreads beyond the skin but can cause local damage if left untreated. Our BCC removal north york guidance covers what this lesion typically looks like before diagnosis.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC often presents as a scaly, red patch or a sore that does not heal. It can grow faster than BCC and has a higher chance of spreading if ignored, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands are common sites.

Melanoma

Melanoma develops from pigment-producing cells and is the most serious form of skin cancer because of its potential to spread. Early detection using the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) matters significantly for outcomes [American Academy of Dermatology]. Melanoma removal north york cases are prioritized for prompt biopsy and excision once a suspicious lesion is flagged.

Precancerous spots (actinic keratosis) and suspicious moles

Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch caused by sun damage that can, in some cases, progress toward squamous cell carcinoma over time [Canadian Dermatology Association]. Not every unusual mole is cancer, but any changing or atypical lesion deserves assessment rather than guesswork.

Do you need a referral for skin cancer removal in North York?

No. Our North York clinic does not require a doctor's referral for OHIP-covered skin cancer assessment, biopsy, or removal. Patients can book a free consultation directly by calling (647) 614-1611.

This matters for anyone searching for a skin cancer clinic Toronto no referral option, especially when a family doctor appointment itself involves a wait. A valid Ontario health card is required for OHIP billing. If your situation involves a benign lesion instead of suspected cancer, our mole, cyst and skin tag removal page explains the cosmetic (non-OHIP) side of our services.

Is skin cancer removal covered by OHIP?

Yes. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma removal are OHIP-covered procedures at our clinic when medically necessary, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the surgery itself with a valid health card.

Benign conditions such as moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, and age spots are considered cosmetic and are not covered by OHIP; fees apply, with benign mole removal starting at $600. Our cost breakdown for BCC and SCC removal in Ontario explains this distinction in more detail.

Clinic route vs. dermatology referral route

FactorTMSC North York ClinicDermatology Referral RouteReferral neededNo, for OHIP-covered skin cancer careTypically yes, from a family doctorOHIP coverageYes, for confirmed BCC, SCC, melanomaYes, through OHIP-billed dermatologyWho performs surgeryBoard-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeonsDermatologist or surgeon, varies by referralTypical stepsBook consult, assessment, biopsy, excision, pathologyFamily doctor visit, referral, specialist wait, then treatment

Public health reporting has noted that access to dermatology in Ontario can involve added steps through the referral system, which is part of why direct-access surgical clinics have become a more common entry point for suspected skin cancer.

What happens at your skin cancer appointment?

A skin cancer appointment at our clinic moves through assessment, biopsy if needed, surgical removal, pathology, and follow-up, all coordinated in one place. Here is what each stage involves.

Assessment

A surgeon examines the lesion, asks about its history (how long it has been there, whether it has changed), and reviews your skin and medical background.

Biopsy

If the lesion's nature is unclear, a small sample is taken and sent to pathology for a definitive diagnosis before any larger procedure is planned.

Surgical excision under local anesthetic

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, removal is performed under local anesthetic in an outpatient setting. You are awake and comfortable, and the area is numbed before the procedure.

Pathology and margin results

All removed tissue is sent for pathology to confirm the diagnosis and check that the surrounding margins are clear of cancer cells.

Follow-up and wound care

After surgery, you receive wound care instructions and a follow-up plan. For cases involving the face, our guide on what to expect after facial skin cancer excision walks through healing timelines and scar care.

Book within weeks, not months, if you notice:

• A mole showing Asymmetry, irregular Border, uneven Color, Diameter over 6mm, or Evolving shape (the ABCDE rule) [Canadian Cancer Society]
• A sore that has not healed in several weeks
• A pearly or waxy bump that keeps growing
• A scaly, red patch that is enlarging
• A spot that bleeds without an obvious injury

How long is the wait for skin cancer removal in Ontario?

Wait times for skin cancer care in Ontario vary by referral pathway, specialist availability, and region, and we do not publish fixed wait-time figures because they shift. What we can say is that our clinic does not require a referral for OHIP-covered skin cancer removal, which removes one common delay point.

To get a sense of current availability at our North York location, call (647) 614-1611 directly. Our guide to finding a skin cancer clinic in Toronto also outlines how different access routes compare across the city.

Who performs skin cancer surgery at The Minor Surgery Center?

Skin cancer surgery at our clinic is performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons, including co-founders Dr. Kunaal Jindal and Dr. Roberto Tutino, who practise in Toronto. Our surgical team completed five-year surgical residencies with training at institutions including the University of Toronto, McMaster, Queen's, McGill, Western, UBC, Mayo Clinic, Yale, and Oxford.

This matters for a skin cancer doctor north york search because facial, ear, and nose lesions often require reconstructive skill alongside cancer removal, not just excision.

Where is the North York skin cancer clinic?

Our North York clinic is located at 2920 Dufferin Street, Suite 202, Toronto, ON M6B 3S8, in the Dufferin Street corridor near Highway 401. The location serves North York, Downsview, Lawrence Heights, Yorkdale, Lawrence Manor, Bedford Park, York, and midtown Toronto residents.

A second North York option is our York Mills clinic at 85 Scarsdale Road, Unit 101, which offers the same assessment, biopsy, and removal services. Additional TMSC locations operate in Vaughan, Mississauga, and Oakville. Appointments are required; we do not accept walk-ins. Call (647) 614-1611 to confirm current availability or hours, as these are not listed here.

Skin cancer warning signs: when should you book?

Book an assessment promptly if you notice a new or changing mole, a sore that will not heal, a pearly bump, a growing scaly patch, or unexplained bleeding from a spot on your skin. These signs do not confirm cancer, but they warrant a professional look.

Common mistake: assuming a spot is "just a pimple" or "just dry skin" because it is small. Our article on skin cancer that mimics a pimple explains why that assumption delays diagnosis in some cases. Skin cancer can also appear in less sun-exposed areas, so a full-body view matters, not just the face and arms.

Why choose a minor surgery clinic for skin cancer removal?

A minor surgery clinic focused on outpatient procedures combines surgical skill with a direct-access model, meaning no referral delay and a dedicated surgical team handling the removal. This structure works well for confirmed or suspected BCC, SCC, and melanoma cases that need prompt action.

Our clinic is highly rated on Google, with hundreds of reviews from patients across the GTA. We also handle other minor procedures like carpal tunnel release and trigger finger treatment, but skin cancer removal remains a core focus. For general screening before a diagnosis, see our skin cancer screening information.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral?
No. OHIP-covered skin cancer assessment, biopsy, and removal at our North York clinic do not require a referral from a family doctor.

Is it covered by OHIP?
Yes, for confirmed basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, with a valid Ontario health card. Benign cosmetic removals, like moles or cysts, are not covered.

How fast can I get a biopsy?
Biopsies are scheduled based on clinical assessment and current appointment availability. Call (647) 614-1611 to check timing for your situation.

Will it leave a scar?
Most excisions leave some scar, since tissue must be removed to treat the cancer. Surgical technique and aftercare both affect how a scar heals; see our post-excision facial care guide for more detail.

What if my margins come back positive?
If pathology shows the margins are not clear, further excision is typically needed to remove any remaining cancer cells. Your surgeon will discuss next steps based on your specific pathology report.

Can you remove skin cancer on the face?
Yes. Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons remove skin cancer on the face, nose, ears, and other cosmetically sensitive areas, with attention to both cancer clearance and healing outcomes.

Conclusion with booking CTA

A suspicious spot deserves a prompt, clear path to diagnosis and treatment, not a long chain of appointments before anyone looks at it. Our North York clinic at 2920 Dufferin Street offers OHIP-covered assessment, biopsy, and removal of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons, with no referral required.

If you have a changing mole, a sore that will not heal, or a diagnosis already in hand, call (647) 614-1611 or book a free consultation at our North York clinic. Our York Mills location at 85 Scarsdale Road is also available if it is closer to your home or work.

References

1. Skin Cancer. torontodermatologycentre.com.
2. Skin Cancer in All Skin Tones What You Should Know. bnderm.com.
3. Actinic Keratosis. torontodermatologycentre.com.