Our Services / Melanoma

Certain forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, can be life-threatening when left untreated. At Aloe Dermatology in Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, and Solvang, California, the skilled dermatology experts screen for and treat melanoma to prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of your body. Call the office at the first sign of new or unusual skin changes, or use the online booking feature today.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can cause serious medical problems when left untreated. It’s the most dangerous type of skin cancer because of its ability to easily spread to other organs and tissues. That’s why early detection and treatment with the Aloe Dermatology specialists is vital.

What are the risk factors for melanoma?

Anyone can develop melanoma, but your risk of having skin cancer increases with a family and personal history of skin cancer and unprotected sun or tanning bed exposure. Protecting your skin from the sun using sunscreen and clothing is the best way to minimize your melanoma risk. 

What are the symptoms of melanoma?

The symptoms of melanoma include:

• New or changing skin lesions
• Asymmetrical moles
• Moles with rough, jagged, or scalloped borders
• Lesions consisting of varying colors
• Moles with diameters larger than a pencil eraser

See a dermatologist immediately if you notice moles that look unusual or change in color, size, texture, or overall appearance.

Which melanoma treatment is right for me?

Your Aloe Dermatology specialist examines moles to determine if they look suspicious. They also review your medical history, lifestyle habits, and symptoms and take a skin biopsy (tissue sample) to use for lab analysis. 

What should I expect when getting treated for melanoma?

During treatment for melanoma, your specialist numbs the treatment area and may use Mohs surgery to remove cancer, often layer by layer, to ensure the elimination of all cancerous cells. Your dermatologist then closes any incisions in a way that minimizes scarring. 

Aloe Dermatology also offers regular surgery to remove melanoma. The type of skin cancer treatment you require depends on your melanoma’s stage.

After the procedure, it’s important to keep the treatment area clean and protect your skin from the sun. Any scarring fades over time.

If the melanoma has spread to other areas of your body, you may need radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, or other cancer treatments in addition to surgically removing cancerous tissues.

Your Aloe Dermatology specialist coordinates care with cancer specialists as needed to ensure superior results. They follow up with you and offer periodic skin checks to screen for future problems. 

If you suspect melanoma or other forms of skin cancer, schedule an appointment at Aloe Dermatology by phone or online today.