A proper cancer treatment starts with a precise diagnosis. When it comes to cancer of the skin specifically, the disease is broken down into three categories: basal-cell, squamous-cell, and melanoma. Having a thorough knowledge of specific cancer types is essential to providing you with the best skin cancer treatment. By knowing the specific progression rate and severity of the disease through effective cancer screening, Dr. Kilcline and our team here at Coastal Dermatology + Aesthetics can provide you with the care you deserve. For an accurate skin cancer diagnosis and a comprehensive range of treatment options, look no further than our San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria offices.
How We Come to a Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Getting to an accurate skin cancer diagnosis is an essential step in finding and treating cancers of the skin early before they cause symptoms. Skin cancer screening is important because it allows for better management and higher potential for remission. By the time symptoms of cancer appear, the disease may have already begun to spread and become harder to address. At our center, Dr. Kilcline performs the screening process by first conducting a physical examination along with a routine blood draw. If more evaluation is necessary, she may order a biopsy procedure. At every stage, our team will work to help you feel comfortable and confident in your diagnosis.
What Does Cancer Screening Address?
Skin cancer screening is used to look for signs of skin cancer. If a physical examination reveals an irregular mole or other sign of cancer, then a biopsy may be necessary to test for the disease. Cancer screenings such as those provided upon your first visit can help determine the nature of irregular skin patterns on your body. Due to these tests being non-invasive and generally painless, screening is typically advised as a first step in cancer detection.
What to Expect During Your Skin Cancer Diagnosis Process
The process of coming to a good skin cancer diagnosis involves a visual exam of the skin. During the screening process, Dr. Kilcline will check the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other growths that are unusual in color, size, shape, or texture. The screening typically takes about 10 minutes but can reveal quite a lot. This test is simple and doesn’t require any pre-visit preparation or post-visit downtime. If an abnormal mole or other growth is discovered, you may be asked to make a follow-up appointment for additional testing such as a biopsy.
Results From Cancer Screening
If your cancer screening reveals a mole or other mark that looks like it might be a sign of cancer, we can schedule a biopsy in order to make a diagnosis. A skin biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small sample of skin for testing. The skin sample is looked at under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important not to panic. At Coastal Dermatology + Aesthetics, we provide effective treatment in the form of surgery. Additionally, our Mohs surgeon performs Mohs surgery here in our office. Mohs is a micrographic procedure that removes skin cancer in stages, reducing the likelihood of scarring while offering a high rate of success.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis Help in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, CA
Have you discovered an irregular mole or growth on your body? Visit Coastal Dermatology + Aesthetics today to get the testing and treatment you deserve. Here in our San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria offices, we strive to create a warm and inviting environment for all of our patients. To get in touch with our team and experience our office today, please fill out the form below or give us a call at (805) 544-5567.
They are so knowledgeable and Tressa is incredible.
Concerns treated
Moles, growths and sun-damaged skin, examined properly. Pick a concern to see how we approach it.
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To schedule an appointment, please complete the form below, book online in Santa Maria (opens online scheduler), or call our office.
Cosmetic Services: No referral is required.
Medical Dermatology in San Luis Obispo: We are accepting new patients with a referral from your primary care physician. Please have your primary care physician send your referral to our office, then complete the form below to request an appointment.
Medical Dermatology in Santa Maria: PPO patients may schedule appointments without a referral. For HMO patients, we are in-network with Santa Maria Physician's Choice.