Skin Cancer in San Juan Capistrano, CA

What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that most often develops on areas that receive the most exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, hands, and arms. However, it can also appear in areas that rarely see sunlight. Skin cancer looks different depending on its type, which is why any new, changing, or non-healing spot should be examined. For a helpful visual guide, see this resource from Miiskin on skin cancer signs to be aware of.

Who Is at Risk?

Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age, but it usually results from years of sun exposure. Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at particularly high risk. Other contributing factors include repeated medical and industrial X-ray exposure, scarring from disease or burns, occupational exposure to compounds such as coal tar and arsenic, a weakened immune system, and a family history of skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer and Precancers

Actinic Keratosis (AK)
In its earliest stage, skin cancer may begin as a dry, scaly patch called an actinic keratosis. AKs are precancerous growths that typically develop in fair-skinned people over 40. Left untreated, they can progress into squamous cell carcinoma. Our team treats AKs with cryotherapy, photodynamic blue light therapy, laser surgery, chemical peels, topical chemotherapy, curettage, and other procedures.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common type of skin cancer, BCC usually looks like a pearly, flesh-colored or pink bump, nodule, or red patch, often on the head, neck, and hands. It can take months or years to grow. Untreated, BCC often bleeds, crusts over, heals, and repeats the cycle, and it can extend below the skin into nerves and bone, causing considerable local damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common type, SCC typically appears as a firm red bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that heals and reopens repeatedly. SCC can grow deep into the skin, form a large invasive mass, and in some cases spread to other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent this.

Malignant Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, so it often appears in mixed shades of tan, brown, and black, although it can also be red, pink, or white. Melanoma may appear suddenly as a new dark spot or develop in or near an existing mole. Because it can spread, early detection is essential, and any changing mole should be examined by a dermatologist. Patients with dysplastic nevi have a higher risk and benefit from regular monitoring.

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, where it is located, its size, and your overall health. Dr. Klein and Dr. Kassardjian are experienced dermatologic surgeons proficient in a variety of skin cancer treatments:

• Mohs surgery: The affected skin is removed one thin layer at a time and examined under a microscope until no abnormal cells remain. Mohs is highly effective for basal and squamous cell carcinomas while preserving the most healthy skin, making it ideal for the face.
• Superficial radiation therapy (SRT-100™): A non-surgical treatment for many non-melanoma skin cancers, with no cutting or stitches.
• Excision: Surgical removal of the cancer with a margin of healthy skin.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing precancerous and some superficial lesions.
• Photodynamic therapy: A light-activated treatment for actinic keratoses and some superficial cancers.
• Topical chemotherapy: Prescription creams for precancers and selected superficial skin cancers.

See patient outcomes on our basal cell treatment and squamous cell treatment results pages.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer

• Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
• Examine your skin monthly and keep a photo record of your skin and moles. HK Dermatology has partnered with Miiskin to offer a secure smartphone app that reminds you to take high-quality skin and mole photos and compares them side by side over time. Access the app at miiskin.com/hkdermatology.
• See your dermatologist for a skin exam at least once a year.

When you know what your skin looks like, it is easier to notice changes. Prepare for your visit on our new patient page and review our insurance information.

Skin Cancer FAQs

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening

Early detection saves lives. Call HK Dermatology at (949) 248-1632 or request an appointment online to schedule a skin cancer screening in San Juan Capistrano, CA .