Skin Cancer Treatment in West Hills, CA

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. It grows slowly in the basal cells and rarely spreads but requires treatment to prevent damage.

What to look for:

   - 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.

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 to look for:

   - A rough, scaly patch that may bleed or crust overA 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 is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It starts in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and can spread quickly if not detected early.

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.

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 to look for:

   - 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.