Skin Cancer

Have you ever wondered how to tell if a spot is skin cancer? Most moles are harmless, but some may show early signs of cancer. Abnormal cells can form in existing or new moles, so it’s important to know what to look for:

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
• B – Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or not clearly defined.
• C – Color: Uneven or unusual colors like red, gray, or white.
• D – Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser.
• E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color.

Painful or itchy moles can also be a warning sign.

Not all suspicious moles mean skin cancer, but they should be checked by a dermatologist. You know your skin best—so monitor changes and bring up any concerns during your skin check.

Considering how melanoma develops, there are two main strategies anyone can use to lower their risk of dealing with advanced forms of skin cancer.

First, physical protection against the sun is important. Though ultraviolet radiation is not the only risk factor for developing skin cancer, as noted above, it is a significant one.

Anyone spending time outside should wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30—even on cloudy days. Sunscreen should be applied about 15 minutes before going outside, then reapplied every two hours spent under the sky. It should also be reapplied if washed off by sweat or water activities. Long sleeves, pants, close-toed shoes, and hats are very effective guards against UV exposure.

Secondly, yearly skin cancer checks from a dermatologist can help a professional spot possible signs of the disease and get confirmation early for the rapid start of treatment, if necessary. Your dermatologist may also photograph certain moles in order to have a visual record for comparison in future visits, to determine if the growth is changing over time.

Another common question from our patients is, “How is skin cancer removed?” At Western Dermatology Consultants, we understand that a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming—which is why our approach is built around clarity, compassion, and precision. Before any surgical decisions are made, each patient receives a confirmed, biopsy-based skin cancer diagnosis and a thorough explanation of all available treatment options. Depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer—as well as individual health factors—treatment may include topical therapy, cryosurgery, radiation, or surgical removal.

For patients who are best suited for Mohs surgery, our board-certified dermatologist—specially trained in this highly precise technique—will meticulously remove skin cancer layer by layer. With each stage, the tissue is examined under a microscope in real time to ensure complete cancer removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

This step-by-step process continues until the margins are entirely clear of skin cancer, offering the highest possible cure rate with minimal cosmetic disruption. Visit our Mohs page to learn more about this advanced treatment and how it may be the right solution for you.