Early Detection and Personalized Skin Cancer Care
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most treatable when detected early. Regular skin examinations, prompt evaluation of suspicious spots, and early treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
At Boise Dermatology & Medspa, Dr. Naomi Brooks and Physician Assistant Sammy Verner provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings, biopsies, diagnosis, and treatment for patients throughout the Treasure Valley. Whether you’ve noticed a changing mole or simply want a preventive skin examination, our team is here to help protect your skin health.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells begin growing uncontrollably. While many cases are related to years of ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun or tanning beds, skin cancer can develop almost anywhere on the body—including areas that receive very little sun exposure.
The three most common types of skin cancer are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but early treatment is important to prevent the cancer from becoming larger or invading nearby tissue.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It often develops from years of cumulative sun exposure or from precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses. While highly treatable when caught early, some squamous cell carcinomas can spread if left untreated.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because it has a greater potential to spread to other parts of the body. Fortunately, early detection dramatically improves treatment success.
Melanoma may develop in an existing mole or appear as a completely new spot on the skin.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
The greatest risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from:
- Sunlight
- Indoor tanning beds
Other factors that increase risk include:
- Fair skin
- Light-colored eyes or hair
- History of blistering sunburns
- Multiple or atypical moles
- Family history of skin cancer
- Previous skin cancer
- Weakened immune system
- Increasing age
Although skin cancer is more common after age 50, it can occur at any age, including in young adults and, less commonly, in children.
Where Does Skin Cancer Develop?
Skin cancer most often develops on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, including:
- Face
- Nose
- Ears
- Lips
- Scalp
- Neck
- Chest
- Back
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
However, melanoma and other skin cancers can also develop in areas that receive little sunlight, including:
- Between the toes
- Soles of the feet
- Groin
- Buttocks
- Under the nails
For this reason, a complete skin examination is important.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer may appear differently depending on the type.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:
- A sore that won’t heal
- A scaly or rough patch
- A shiny or pearly bump
- A pink or flesh-colored growth
- A spot that repeatedly bleeds or scabs
Melanoma often appears as a new mole or a changing existing mole.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
One of the easiest ways to recognize a suspicious mole is by remembering the ABCDE rule.
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
B – Border: The edges are irregular, uneven, or poorly defined.
C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven pigmentation are present.
D – Diameter: The spot is larger than approximately 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolution: The mole changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.
Another helpful warning sign is the “Ugly Duckling” sign—a mole that looks noticeably different from all of your other moles.
When Should You Have a Skin Cancer Screening?
We recommend scheduling a professional skin examination if you:
- Notice a new or changing mole
- Have a spot that bleeds, scabs, or won’t heal
- Have more than 50 moles
- Have atypical (dysplastic) moles
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Spend significant time outdoors
- Have used tanning beds
- Have a weakened immune system
Many adults also benefit from routine full-body skin examinations, even if they haven’t noticed any concerning spots.
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
If a suspicious lesion is identified, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy.
During this simple in-office procedure:
- The area is numbed with local anesthesia.
- A small sample—or the entire lesion—is removed.
- The tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination.
Biopsy results typically become available within several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the testing required.
How Is Skin Cancer Treated?
Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the skin cancer.
Treatment options may include:
- Surgical excision
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Curettage and electrodesiccation
- Cryotherapy for selected precancerous lesions
- Topical prescription medications, including imiquimod
- Ongoing skin surveillance
Your provider will develop an individualized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and overall health.
Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?
While not every skin cancer is preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk by:
- Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day
- Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours
- Wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats
- Avoiding tanning beds
- Performing monthly self-skin examinations
- Scheduling routine professional skin checks
Early detection remains one of the most effective tools for preventing advanced skin cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skin cancer curable?
Most skin cancers are highly treatable—and often curable—when detected early. This is why regular skin examinations and prompt evaluation of suspicious lesions are so important.
How often should I have a skin cancer screening?
The ideal screening schedule depends on your personal risk factors. Patients with a history of skin cancer, numerous moles, atypical moles, or a family history of melanoma often benefit from regular professional skin examinations.
Does every suspicious mole need a biopsy?
Not necessarily. Your dermatologist will evaluate the lesion and determine whether it should simply be monitored, photographed, or biopsied for further evaluation.
Can melanoma occur in people with darker skin?
Yes. Although melanoma is less common in people with darker skin tones, it can still occur and often develops in less sun-exposed areas such as the palms, soles, or beneath the nails.
What happens during a full-body skin examination?
Your dermatologist carefully examines your skin from head to toe, looking for suspicious moles, precancerous lesions, skin cancers, and other abnormal growths. If anything concerning is identified, additional evaluation or a biopsy may be recommended.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening in Meridian, ID
If you’ve noticed a new or changing skin lesion—or simply want the peace of mind that comes with a professional skin examination—the dermatology team at Boise Dermatology & Medspa is here to help.
Dr. Naomi Brooks and Physician Assistant Sammy Verner provide compassionate, comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment for patients throughout Meridian, Boise, Eagle, Nampa, Kuna, and the surrounding Treasure Valley.
Request your appointment online or call (208) 888-0660 to schedule your skin cancer screening today.