Skin Cancer Treatments & Early Detection West Hills, CA

The Different Types of Skin Cancer We Treat

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

What it is:

The most common type of skin cancer, BCC starts in the basal cells of the skin, which are responsible for producing new skin cells. It grows slowly and rarely spreads but can cause damage if untreated.

What it looks like:

A pearly, skin-colored, or pink bump

A sore that won’t heal or keeps bleeding

A flat, scar-like patch of skin

A shiny, waxy area that may be red or brown

Early Detection:

Check for new, unusual growths, especially on sun-exposed areas (face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders).

See a dermatologist if a spot doesn’t heal, bleeds, or changes over time.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

What it is:

The second most common type of skin cancer, SCC, develops in the outer layer of the skin (squamous cells). If not treated, it can grow deeper and spread.

What it looks like:

A rough, scaly patch that may bleed or crust over

A firm, red bump or growth

A sore that doesn’t heal or keeps reopening

Wart-like growths

Early Detection:

Pay attention to new or changing rough patches, especially on sun-exposed areas.

Get checked if a sore doesn’t heal within a few weeks.

Melanoma

What it is:

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It starts in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and can spread quickly if not detected early.

What it looks like:

Melanomas follow the ABCDE rule:

A – Asymmetry (one half looks different from the other)

B – Border (irregular, jagged, or blurry edges)

C – Color (multiple colors like black, brown, red, or blue)

D – Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser, but can be smaller)

E – Evolving (changes in size, shape, or color over time)

Early Detection:

Do monthly skin checks for unusual moles or spots.

If a mole looks different or changes, see a dermatologist immediately.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

What it is:

A rare but aggressive skin cancer that starts in Merkel cells, found in the skin’s top layer. MCC can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

What it looks like:

A fast-growing, painless lump (often red, pink, or purple)

A shiny or firm dome-shaped bump

Found mostly on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, or arms

Early Detection:

Watch for new, fast-growing lumps, especially if they appear shiny.

If a bump grows rapidly or color changes, get it checked by a doctor.

Detecting skin cancer early is crucial—especially since it can significantly increase the chances of successful treatments and reduce the severity of the situation. When we can identify cancer early, it is often more responsive to treatments, meaning we can use less aggressive treatment, minimizing the physical and emotional impact. Early detection also increases the survival rates, especially for melanoma which is often a highly aggressive form of cancer. When we can catch it before it spreads, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is usually 99%. However, the survival rate can drop dramatically once it metastasizes to other organs. This is why early detection is so important. At the first sign of something unusual, you should seek medical and professional help.

What are Early Warning Signs of Skin Cancer?

It is up to you to catch the early warning signs of skin cancer. But what should you look for? Some of the most common signs of skin cancer include:

Open sores that heal and reopen

Red patches or irritated areas

Scaly, red patches that crust or bleed

Firm, wart-like, or elevated growths

Large brownish spot with dark areas

Can I Check Myself for Skin Cancer at Home?

You can continually conduct at-home screenings. Here is what we recommend:

Knowing the common skin cancer symptoms

Routine self-examinations

Regular professional screenings to improve prognosis if you discover cancer.

It is important to remember that skin cancer is almost always most treatable during its earliest stages.

How Do I Keep Myself Safe?

Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe from skin cancer:

Perform monthly self-exams, checking for new or changing spots.

Look at all areas, including your back, scalp, and under nails.

Protect your skin with sunscreen (SPF 30+), hats, and UV-blocking clothing.

Get an annual skin exam with a dermatologist, or sooner if you notice any suspicious changes.

If you spot something unusual, don’t wait—schedule a skin check! Early detection makes all the difference.

West Hills Dermatology is proud to offer early cancer screenings and treatments in West Hills, California. We offer Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, or IG-SRT. This treatment is a safe, painless, and highly effective alternative to surgical skin cancer treatment. Our IG-SRT treatments successfully treat Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma, with a 99% cure rate.

Not all radiation-based treatments for skin cancer are the same. The safety, cure rates, and cosmetic outcomes vary depending on the technology and clinical protocols. That’s why we choose GentleCure (Image-Guided SRT), the only skin cancer treatment with advanced imaging that allows us to see, measure, and precisely adapt the dose to your needs at every stage of treatment.

GentleCure has been proven to be the safest and most effective radiation-based treatment for skin cancer. It delivers superior cosmetic results without surgery or scarring. If you are considering radiation therapy, ensure you’re getting the most advanced, safe, and gentle treatment available today.

At West Hills Dermatology Group, we have been a trusted name in dermatology for over 24 years, with Dr. Gaminchi reaching 25 years of practice in February. Our board-certified dermatologists are dedicated to providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care tailored to you and your family. We combine decades of experience with the latest advancements in dermatology to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Your skin health is our priority. Trust the experts who prioritize safety, precision, and your well-being. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how GentleCure can help you.

If you think you may have skin cancer, don’t wait. Schedule your screening today for early detection and treatment if needed. Call West Hills Dermatology at (818) 592-6005 to schedule yours today. We proudly offer the best skin cancer treatment options in the West Hills, California, for our clients living in and around Bell Canyon, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, and Thousand Oaks.
Early Detection Saves Lives – Book an Exam Now!

Treat Skin Cancer in West Hills, CA

Early Detection for Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, and More

The Different Types of Skin Cancer We Treat

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Melanoma

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

The Impact of Early Detection for Skin Cancer

What are Early Warning Signs of Skin Cancer?

Can I Check Myself for Skin Cancer at Home?

How Do I Keep Myself Safe?

Skin Cancer Treatment Option at West Hills Dermatology

Why Choose West Hills Dermatology

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening Today in West Hills, CA

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