Skin Cancer Specialists San Diego CA

Find Skin Cancer Specialists in San Diego, CA. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in San Diego, CA.

Local Businesses

Elaine F Harpster

858-549-6175
8933 Activity Rd
San Diego, CA 92126


Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center

1-858-450-4285
4510 Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121


Shagufta S Khan

858-277-5600
8010 Frost St Ste 600
San Diego, CA 92123


Michael John Halls

(619) 286-6446
6386 Alvarado Ct – Suite 330
San Diego, CA 92120


Anna Di Nardo

(858) 657-8322
200 West Arbor Drive – Mc 8201
San Diego, CA 92103


Ralph Holmes

(858) 277-0531
Suite C242 6540 Lusk Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92121


Timeless Age Defying Laser

(619) 294-8463
1301 Secret Ravine Parkway Suite 240
San Diego, CA 92108


Lawrence F Eichenfield

619-974-6795
8010 Frost St Ste 602
San Diego, CA 92123


Aestheticare Refinement Med

(858) 715-1822
8705 Complex Dr
San Diego, CA 92123


Joy Wu

(619) 532-6460
34800 Bob Wilson Dr – Nmcsd, Attn: Medical Staff Services
San Diego, CA 92134


James Alan Grant

619-298-7109
4060 4Th Ave Ste 410
San Diego, CA 92103


Laura S Romero

858-552-8585
3350 La Jolla Village Dr
San Diego, CA 92161


Venus Medical Groups

(619) 758-9875
2 Medical Plaza Dr Ste 225
San Diego, CA 92110


Michael J Halls

619-286-6446
6386 Alvarado Ct Ste 330
San Diego, CA 92120


Jose E Otero Inc

(619) 229-1211
6367 Alvarado Ct Ste 104
San Diego, CA 92120


M Mofid

858-793-7333
12395 El Camino Real Ste 117
San Diego, CA 92130


Michelle Terez Pelle

619-543-5580
1330 30Th St Ste E
San Diego, CA 92154


Alavi, Sassan – Center For Cosmetic Surgery

(858) 483-0690
2335 American River Dr Ste 408
San Diego, CA 92186


Munish Kumar Batra

858-847-0800
12264 El Camino Real Ste 101
San Diego, CA 92130


James Carville Powers

858-454-8811
3367 4Th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103


Skin Cancer Specialists FAQ in San Diego, CA

What is the hardest skin cancer to treat?

Melanoma is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas but is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If left untreated or caught in a late-stage, melanomas are more likely to spread to organs beyond the skin, making them difficult to treat and potentially life-limiting.

What does the first stage of melanoma look like?

Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or feel of an existing mole. However, melanoma may also appear as a new mole. People should tell their doctor if they notice any changes on the skin. The only way to diagnose melanoma is to remove tissue and check it for cancer cells.

How long does it take for melanoma to spread to organs?

How fast does melanoma spread and grow to local lymph nodes and other organs? “Melanoma can grow extremely quickly and can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks,” noted Dr. Duncanson.

Does cancer spread faster after biopsy?

A long-held belief by a number of patients and even some physicians has been that a biopsy can cause some cancer cells to spread. While there have been a few case reports that suggest this can happen — but very rarely — there is no need for patients to be concerned about biopsies, says Dr. Wallace.

Can a dermatologist tell if a mole is cancerous just by looking at it?

A visual check of your skin only finds moles that may be cancer. It can’t tell you for sure that you have it. The only way to diagnose the condition is with a test called a biopsy. If your doctor thinks a mole is a problem, they will give you a shot of numbing medicine, then scrape off as much of the mole as possible.

Can you have melanoma for years and not know?

“You could have melanoma for a long time before you realize it, because some types are not so obvious. Some aggressive forms, like nodular melanoma, grow fast, are visible and can hurt or bleed.” While certain groups may be at a higher risk for melanoma, anyone can get the disease.

What type of skin cancer is most difficult to treat?

Melanoma is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas but is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If left untreated or caught in a late-stage, melanomas are more likely to spread to organs beyond the skin, making them difficult to treat and potentially life-limiting.

Can you pass away from melanoma?

Melanoma is usually curable when detected and treated early. Once it has spread deeper into the skin or other parts of the body, it becomes more difficult to treat and can be deadly. The estimated five-year survival rate for U.S. patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99 percent.

Can you live with skin cancer if untreated?

Why Not to Leave Skin Cancer Untreated. Skin cancer has two sides. On the one hand, it is fairly easy to detect and treat when done so at an early stage. On the other hand, when left untreated, skin cancer can cause disfigurement and even death.

What happens if you test positive for skin cancer?

The goal of treatment is to remove all of the cancer. For this reason, surgery is often part of the treatment plan. When found early, a type of surgery called excision surgery may be the only treatment you need. A dermatologist can often perform this surgery during an office visit while you remain awake.

How long can you have basal cell carcinoma before it spreads?

The cancer is the result of cumulative damage of years spent in the sun, and may take 20 years to manifest. Although it’s often more common in older people, it can occur in younger adults, too. Basal cell carcinoma spreads very slowly and very rarely will metastasize, Dr. Christensen says.

What are 3 treatments for skin cancer?

Simple excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, and cryosurgery are used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.