Melanoma Screening and Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, but it is highly treatable when detected early. Knowing your moles and having regular professional skin exams can make all the difference. At HK Dermatology in San Juan Capistrano, CA , our dermatology team provides thorough skin cancer screenings, mole evaluations, biopsies, and treatment for melanoma, with a strong focus on early detection.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Melanoma?
Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment and give skin its color. It can arise in an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot on otherwise normal skin. Although melanoma accounts for a small share of skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths because it is more likely to spread if not caught early. The encouraging news is that when melanoma is found in its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is extremely high.
Melanoma Risk Factors
- A history of blistering sunburns, especially in childhood
- Tanning bed use
- Many moles or atypical moles, also called dysplastic nevi
- Fair skin, freckles, and light hair or eyes
- A personal or family history of melanoma
- A weakened immune system
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Dermatologists use a simple guide to help patients recognize suspicious spots:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other.
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C – Color: Uneven color with shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
- D – Diameter: Larger than about 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, though melanomas can be smaller.
- E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Also watch for the “ugly duckling” sign, a mole that looks different from all the others on your body. Melanoma can develop anywhere, including the scalp, palms, soles of the feet, under nails, and areas that rarely see the sun.
Diagnosis and Treatment
During a full-body skin exam, your provider will carefully evaluate your moles and any spots of concern. If a lesion looks suspicious, a biopsy is performed in our office and examined by a pathologist. Treatment depends on the stage and thickness of the melanoma:
- Surgical excision: Early melanomas are removed with a margin of healthy surrounding skin, which is often curative.
- Specialized surgical techniques: For some early melanomas on the face or other delicate areas, tissue-sparing approaches similar to Mohs surgery may be considered.
- Coordinated care: Thicker or advanced melanomas may require additional testing and referral to surgical or medical oncology specialists, and our team helps coordinate that care.
Early Detection and Mole Monitoring
Annual skin exams, monthly self-checks, and photo monitoring of moles are the best tools for catching melanoma early. HK Dermatology offers a smartphone app through Miiskin that helps you photograph your skin and moles and track changes over time between visits. Combined with daily sunscreen and sun-protective habits, these steps give you the best chance of finding problems early.
Learn more about other forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and precancerous actinic keratosis. Harmless growths such as seborrheic keratosis can sometimes resemble melanoma, which is why a professional exam matters. Browse all conditions we treat or prepare for your visit on our new patient page. Skin cancer screenings are often covered by insurance; see the plans we accept on our insurance page or learn why patients choose HK Dermatology.
Melanoma FAQs
What does melanoma look like?
Melanoma often appears as a mole or dark spot that is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, multiple colors, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or is changing. Some melanomas are pink, red, or skin-colored.
Can melanoma be cured?
Yes. When melanoma is detected and removed at an early stage, it is often curable. Survival rates drop as melanoma grows deeper, which is why early detection is so important.
How often should I check my moles?
Perform a self-exam once a month and have a full-body skin exam with a dermatologist at least once a year. Patients with many moles or a history of melanoma may need more frequent visits.
Are dysplastic nevi the same as melanoma?
No. Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles that are usually benign, but having them increases your risk of melanoma. They should be monitored and sometimes removed.
Is a mole biopsy painful?
A biopsy is performed under local anesthesia, so you will feel only a brief pinch from the numbing injection. The procedure takes just a few minutes.
Can melanoma appear in places without sun exposure?
Yes. Melanoma can develop on the soles of the feet, palms, under nails, on the scalp, and in other areas that rarely see the sun, so full-body exams are important.
How do I schedule a mole check?
Call HK Dermatology at (949) 248-1632 or request an appointment online. If you have a mole that is changing, bleeding, or itching, let our team know when you call.
Early Detection Saves Lives
If you have a new or changing mole, schedule a skin exam right away. Call HK Dermatology at (949) 248-1632 or request an appointment online in San Juan Capistrano, CA .
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