
Languages Spoken: English
David Wada, MD is a dermatologist who specializes in cutaneous oncology. His clinical focus is centered on the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous lymphoma, lymphomatoid disorders (skin conditions that resemble lymphoma), melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers and has directed the Multidisciplinary Cutaneous Lymphoma program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute since 2012. He has been involved in multiple clinical trials associated with the treatment of cutaneous malignancies at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He is board-certified in dermatology, dermatopathology, and anatomic and clinical pathology and is also the director of the Dermatopathology Laboratory at the University of Utah. As a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Wada also specializes in the interpretation of skin biopsies to help ensure that an accurate diagnosis of skin cancer is obtained and he has a particular interest in the pathology of skin lymphoma and related diseases.
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Dermatology
-
Associate Professor (Clinical) |
Board Certification | American Board of Dermatology American Board of Pathology (Clinical Path) American Board of Pathology (Sub: Anatomic Path) American Board of Pathology (Sub: Dermatopathology) National Board of Medical Examiners |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
5.0/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
5.0/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
5.0/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.9/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
5.0/ 5

Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
September 18, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
All excellent
UofU Patient
September 09, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Wadda, Mary Ann, and the staff are great and caring. They are the best.
UofU Patient
August 28, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Explained condition and options in understandable terms, polite and caring
UofU Patient
August 02, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
July 17, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. David Wada is the finest Oncological Dermatologist of which I'm aware.
UofU Patient
July 05, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Wada and his staff have excellent bedside manner. The communication was clear and caring.
UofU Patient
June 30, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Can't say enough good about Dr Wada, and Marianne. Very thorough, very patient with me
UofU Patient
June 27, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Wow. I have never had a medical appointment experience like this. The entire team was absolutely amazing. I told my husband I felt like a trauma patient because everyone was swooning over me attending to every detail - leaving to stone unturned. I was their central focus and it was incredibly reassuring. They never hurried liked most practitioners tend to do. They made sure I had ever question answered and they also ensured I knew they genuinely cared about me and were "there" for me going forward. I could not have been more impressed nor more satisfied.
UofU Patient
May 22, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I have recommended the Huntsman Clinic.
UofU Patient
May 10, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
April 25, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
We are in the hands of God and his A Team of angels
UofU Patient
April 10, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Highly recommend!
UofU Patient
April 03, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I have been seeing Dr. Wada for some time. I am very confident in his care. Listens to me. Very compassionate and caring. I feel great after completing my appointment because I know I have the best of care.
UofU Patient
March 14, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Wada and his staff are the best!
UofU Patient
March 13, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Very professional and informational
UofU Patient
February 25, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Wada and Maryanne take the time to be thorough and check everything they need to, and they are kind and gentle and respectful of my person. I feel safe with them. They are very concerned about my well-being, help me understand what I need to do for my care, and teach me about my condition. They celebrate with me when things go well. On my first appointment I was scared and confused, but this time I felt more confident about understanding my condition because of their help. Maryanne asks about fun things in my life and allows me to share. I am so thankful for them!
UofU Patient
February 22, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
The entire Wada team is exceptional regarding my care, discussion of questions and issues (if any) and they make my visit highly enjoyable!!! KUDO's to ALL!!!
UofU Patient
February 20, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Very knowledgeable and courteous.
UofU Patient
February 01, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Wada is terrific. We really appreciate his professionalism and positive manner!
UofU Patient
February 01, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Wada is the BEST there is!!!
UofU Patient
January 17, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
They are Awesome!
UofU Patient
January 09, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Our overall feeling, besides relief, was that our daughter has been delivered into the Big Hands of God and his Super God Team. We could not ask for a more capable, skilled, compassionate, or professional care provider than Dr. Wada and his team. They function like a highly tuned, precision machine, but with kid gloves.
UofU Patient
December 13, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
The whole team was amazing to work with.
UofU Patient
November 09, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Excellent experience - Dr. Wada and his team!
UofU Patient
November 08, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Fantastic
UofU Patient
October 26, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Very thorough and caring.
UofU Patient
September 22, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I was extremely pleased with my visit with Dr. Wada. Outstanding care.
UofU Patient
August 23, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I do highly recommend Dr. David Wada, Dermatology and Maryanne Bowling, Nurse Practitioner to everyone with Dermatology Cancer issues. This team is the greatest in the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
UofU Patient
August 23, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good
David Wada, MD is a dermatologist who specializes in cutaneous oncology. His clinical focus is centered on the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous lymphoma, lymphomatoid disorders (skin conditions that resemble lymphoma), melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers and has directed the Multidisciplinary Cutaneous Lymphoma program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute since 2012. He has been involved in multiple clinical trials associated with the treatment of cutaneous malignancies at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He is board-certified in dermatology, dermatopathology, and anatomic and clinical pathology and is also the director of the Dermatopathology Laboratory at the University of Utah. As a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Wada also specializes in the interpretation of skin biopsies to help ensure that an accurate diagnosis of skin cancer is obtained and he has a particular interest in the pathology of skin lymphoma and related diseases.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Dermatology
-
Associate Professor (Clinical) |
Board Certification | American Board of Dermatology American Board of Pathology (Clinical Path) American Board of Pathology (Sub: Anatomic Path) American Board of Pathology (Sub: Dermatopathology) National Board of Medical Examiners |
Research Interests
- Cutaneous Lymphoma
- Cutaneous Manifestations of Myeloid Disorders
- Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers
- Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology
- Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Malignancy
- Lymphomatoid Disorders
Education History
Residency | Mayo Clinic Dermatology Resident, 2012 |
Fellowship | Mayo Clinic Dermatology Fellow, 2009 |
Fellowship | Mayo Clinic Dermatopathology Fellow, 2008 |
Residency | University of Utah Health Sciences Center Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Resident, 2007 |
Internship | Exempla St. Joseph’s Hospital Internal Medicine Intern, 2003 |
Professional Medical | University of Hawaii School of Medicine Medicine M.D., 2002 |
Graduate Training | University of Hawaii Biomedical Sciences, Cell, Molecular, & Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Program M.S., 1998 |
Undergraduate | University of Hawaii Biology, with Distinction B.A., 1996 |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- CW Laggis A Lamb AM Secrest N Ufkes AS Halwani R Tao D Gaffney RR Miles SR Florell D Wada (2020). Favourable outcomes in folliculotropic mycosis fungoides after multimodality treatment in a single institution. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.
- Flores S, Wada DA, Florell SR, Bowen AR (2019). Pretibial Pruritic Papular Dermatitis: A Comprehensive Clinical and Pathologic Review of Cases at a Single Institution. Am J Dermatopathol, 42(1), 16-19.
- Laggis C, Wada D, Shah A, Zussman J (2019). Eosinophils are surprisingly common in biopsy specimens of cutaneous herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus infections: Results of a comprehensive histopathologic and clinical appraisal. J Cutan Pathol, 47(1), 6-11.
- Clark JJ, Hawkes JE, Florell SR, Miles RR, Wada DA (2019). Cutaneous T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and the Expression Pattern of Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Immunostaining in Mycosis Fungoides and Spongiotic Dermatitis. Dermatopathology (Basel), 6(3), 182-188.
- Oishi N, Sartori-Valinotti JC, Bennani NN, Wada DA, He R, Cappel MA, Feldman AL (2019). Cutaneous lesions of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: Clinical, pathological, and immunophenotypic features. J Cutan Pathol, 46, 637-644.
- Elkeeb D, Hopkins Z, Miles RR, Halwani A, Wada D (2019). Ominous cutaneous presentation of acute myeloid leukemia without peripheral blood involvement upon initial presentation and relapse: case report and literature review. Eur J Dermatol, 28(6), 809-817.
- Grossman D, Farnham JM, Hyngstrom J, Klapperich ME, Secrest AM, Empey S, Bowen GM, Wada D, Andtbacka RHI, Grossmann K, Bowles TL, Cannon-Albright LA (2018). Similar survival of patients with multiple versus single primary melanomas based on Utah Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data (1973-2011). J Am Acad Dermatol, 79(2), 238-244.
- Gardner LJ, Ward M, Andtbacka RHI, Boucher KM, Bowen GM, Bowles TL, Cohen AL, Grossmann K, Hitchcock YJ, Holmen SL, Hyngstrom J, Khong H, McMahon M, Monroe MM, Ross CB, Suneja G, Wada D, Grossman D (2017). Risk factors for development of melanoma brain metastasis and disease progression: a single-center retrospective analysis. Melanoma Res, 27(5), 477-484.
- Hocker TL, Wada DA, El-Azhary R, Gibson LE (2012). Expression of T-cell receptor-gammadelta in normal human skin, inflammatory dermatoses and mycosis fungoides. J Cutan Pathol, 39(4), 419-24.
- Podjasek JO, Wetter DA, Pittelkow MR, Wada DA (2012). Cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis associated with solid organ malignancies: the Mayo Clinic experience, 1996 to 2009. J Am Acad Dermatol, 66(2), e55-65.
- Hendi A, Wada DA, Jacobs MA, Crook JE, Kortuem KR, Weed BR, Otley CC, Gibson LE (2011). Melanocytes in nonlesional sun-exposed skin: a multicenter comparative study. J Am Acad Dermatol, 65(6), 1186-93.
- Wada DA, Law ME, Hsi ED, Dicaudo DJ, Ma L, Lim MS, Souza Ad, Comfere NI, Weenig RH, Macon WR, Erickson LA, Ozsan N, Ansell SM, Dogan A, Feldman AL (2011). Specificity of IRF4 translocations for primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a multicenter study of 204 skin biopsies. Mod Pathol, 24(4), 596-605.
- Wada DA, Wilcox RA, Harrington SM, Kwon ED, Ansell SM, Comfere NI (2011). Programmed death 1 is expressed in cutaneous infiltrates of mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome. Am J Hematol, 86(3), 325-7.
- Wada DA, Wilcox RA, Weenig RH, Gibson LE (2010). Paucity of intraepidermal FoxP3-positive T cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in contrast with spongiotic and lichenoid dermatitis. J Cutan Pathol, 37(5), 535-41.
- de Souza A, Camilleri MJ, Wada DA, Appert DL, Gibson LE, el-Azhary RA (2009). Clinical, histopathologic, and immunophenotypic features of lymphomatoid papulosis with CD8 predominance in 14 pediatric patients. J Am Acad Dermatol, 61(6), 993-1000.
- Wilcox RA, Wada DA, Ziesmer SC, Elsawa SF, Comfere NI, Dietz AB, Novak AJ, Witzig TE, Feldman AL, Pittelkow MR, Ansell SM (2009). Monocytes promote tumor cell survival in T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and are impaired in their ability to differentiate into mature dendritic cells. Blood, 114(14), 2936-44.
- Wada DA, Perkins SL, Tripp S, Coffin CM, Florell SR (2007). Human herpesvirus 8 and iron staining are useful in differentiating Kaposi sarcoma from interstitial granuloma annulare. Am J Clin Pathol, 127(2), 263-70.
Case Report
- Laggis C, Miles R, Stephens DM, Duffy K, Bowen A, Wada D (2019). Cutaneous mantle cell lymphoma histomorphologically mimicking subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma: Case report. J Cutan Pathol, 46(7), 538-541.
- Cowan N, Coman G, Duffy K, Wada DA (2019). Treatment of recalcitrant mycosis fungoides with topical gentian violet. JAAD Case Rep, 5(5), 413-415.
- Elkeeb D, Hopkins Z, Wada D, Rhoads JLW (2018). A case of primary cutaneous malakoplakia in a cardiac transplant recipient. JAAD Case Rep, 4(10), 982-984.
- Florell AJ, Wada DA, Hawkes JE (2017). Linear focal elastosis associated with exercise. JAAD Case Rep, 3(1), 39-41.
Letter
- Lee K, Evans MG, Yang L, Ng S, Snowden C, Khodadoust M, Brown RA, Trum NA, Querfeld C, Doan LT, Song J, Zhang H, Gru AA, Wood GS, Wada DA, Shanmugam V, Haun PL, Aster JC, Duncan LM, Guitart J, Weinstock DM, Nardi V, Choi J (2020). Primary cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas harbor recurrent targetable alterations in the JAK-STAT pathway. [Letter to the editor]. Blood, 138(23), 2435-2440.
- Laggis CW, Lamb A, Secrest AM, Ufkes N, Halwani AS, Tao R, Gaffney D, Miles RR, Florell SR, Wada D (2020). Favourable outcomes in folliculotropic mycosis fungoides after multimodality treatment in a single institution. [Letter to the editor]. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 35(1), e42-e45.
- Hyde MA, Wada DA (2018). Patient education and support group for patients with cutaneous lymphoma and their caregivers. [Letter to the editor]. Clin Exp Dermatol, 44(1), 84-85.
- Wagner AE, Wada D, Bowen G, Gaffney DK (2013). Mycosis fungoides: the addition of concurrent and adjuvant interferon to total skin electron beam therapy. [Letter to the editor]. Br J Dermatol, 169(3), 715-8.