Skin Cancer Specialist

How does skin cancer develop?

Skin cancer develops from abnormal growth of cells on a particular area of your skin. Usually, this abnormal cell growth takes place on areas of your body exposed to the sun’s harmful rays.

While skin cancer can affect people of all ethnicities and skin tones, if you have fair skin and burn easily, you’re at higher risk of developing skin cancer.

What are the most common types of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma are the most common types of skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of all skin cancers, and highly treatable. This form of cancer may appear as a flesh-colored, pearly bump on the parts of your skin that receive the most sun. This may sometimes be a sore that seems to seal up and then reopen or bleed with gentle trauma.

While BCC is common on your head, face, neck, and arms, you can get it anywhere on your body. Fortunately, BCC almost never spreads to other parts of your body and can be successfully treated with Mohs surgery, the gold standard in skin cancer removal, or excision if on the body or limbs.

Squamous cell carcinoma

The next most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a firm, red bump, rapidly growing scaly mountain or a scaly patch of skin. This type of skin cancer sometimes looks like a scaly sore that continues to grow or rapidly grows and then shrinks.. They can also sometimes be painful. SCC most commonly occurs on your legs, arms, and face.

Melanoma

The most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma can become deadly if not treated early. Melanoma often starts out as a mole that changes or sudden dark spot on your skin. Regular skin cancer screenings by an experienced dermatologist are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.

What skin cancer treatments are available?

At Apex Dermatology, board-certified Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Karin Harp, provides the gold standard in skin cancer treatment. Mohs surgery is the single most effective technique for removing basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

Developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs in the 1930s, Mohs micrographic surgery involves removing cancer cells layer by layer and examining them under a microscope during the procedure.

This process takes the guesswork out of how far below the surface of your skin the cancerous cells go and allows Dr. Harp to remove all skin tissue until there are no cancerous cells left. The closure of the site is also typically done the same day as the removal with excellent attention to the best scar and appearance. Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of skin cancer treatment methods.

For expert skin cancer screenings, treatment, and diagnosis in the Westlake Village, California, area, call to schedule an exam or book online.