Our Services / Skin Cancer

Are you at risk of skin cancer, or have you developed new or unusual skin changes? If so, see the dermatology providers at Aloe Dermatology in Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, and Solvang, California. They offer skin cancer screening to detect and treat cancer before it causes severe complications. Call the nearest office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tab today.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer consists of abnormal skin cells that may develop due to sun exposure or other reasons. It can sometimes spread and be dangerous when left untreated. Early skin cancer detection and treatment with the help of the Aloe Dermatology specialists is the best way to avoid complications.  

What are the different types of skin cancer?

The common types of skin cancer include:

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a red, scaly bump or patch that crusts or bleeds.

Basal cell carcinoma 

Basal cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer that may look like a waxy skin color or red bump,  a bleeding sore or a persistent red scaling patch.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest cancer that can develop anywhere on your body. It often appears on areas of your skin most exposed to the sun.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

The hallmark symptoms of skin cancer include:

• Pearly or waxy bumps
• New or unusual skin lesions
• Spots or sores that crust or bleed
• Firm red nodules
• Flat, scaly, or crusty lesions
• Black spots
• Moles with dark specks
• Lesions with irregular borders
• Painful lesions
• Itching or burning lesions
• Moles containing multiple colors

Additional symptoms include moles that change in size, color, texture, or overall appearance. Visit Aloe Dermatology at the first sign of changes in the look of your skin, especially in skin often exposed to the sun.

What are the risk factors for developing skin cancer?

The common risk factors for skin cancer include:

• Having fair skin
• History of sunburns
• Tanning beds
• Excessive sun exposure
• Having a lot of moles
• Having precancerous skin lesions (actinic keratoses)
• Family or personal history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Radiation exposure
• Toxin exposure

However, the exact cause of skin cancer isn’t always clear.

How does my provider diagnose skin cancer?

To diagnose skin cancer, your Aloe Dermatology provider discusses your symptoms and medical history. They ask about new or unusual skin changes and examine your skin to look for abnormal tissues. They may remove suspicious tissues entirely or take a tissue sample during a biopsy and send it to a lab for analysis. 

How is skin cancer treated?

Your personalized skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer you have and how severe it is. The Aloe Dermatology specialists may freeze, scrape, burn, or surgically remove cancerous tissues to prevent the cancer from spreading. 

Mohs surgery is an effective skin cancer treatment in which your specialist removes cancerous tissues layer by layer to minimize scarring. If the cancer has spread to other areas of your body, you may need additional treatments. 

To schedule skin cancer screening at Aloe Dermatology, book an appointment by phone or online today.