Lead dermatologist and founder
Yvonne Knight, MD
- Medical dermatology
- Skin exams and skin cancer care
- Dermatologic surgery
- Medical oversight of Medi Spa West
Skin cancer care
Skin exams and skin cancer care
Annual full-body skin checks, evaluation of changing spots, biopsies, and in-office treatment of many skin cancers, from a board-certified dermatologist who trained in dermatologic surgery.
Who should be seen
Who may want an evaluation
Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and it affects every skin tone. Found early, nearly all skin cancers are curable with a simple procedure. Consider an exam if any of these apply:
- Anyone with a new spot, or a mole that is changing, itching, bleeding or not healing
- A personal history of skin cancer or precancerous spots (actinic keratoses)
- Fair skin, many moles, a history of sunburns, or past tanning-bed use
- A family history of melanoma
- A weakened immune system, including transplant recipients
- Adults who have never had a baseline full-body skin exam
The ABCDEs of a spot to check
- A
Asymmetry: one half doesn't match the other
- B
Border: edges that are ragged, notched or blurred
- C
Colour: more than one shade, or a spot unlike the rest
- D
Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser, or growing
- E
Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour or feel
Also worth a call: a sore that won't heal, a spot that itches or bleeds, or a mole that looks different from all your others.
Your exam
What a skin exam involves
- 1
A short history
Your sun and tanning history, prior skin cancers, family history, and any spots you have noticed.
- 2
Head-to-toe exam
You change into a gown and we look at your whole skin, including the scalp, between the toes, the soles, palms and under the nails. A dermatoscope, a magnifying light, lets us see structure under the surface.
- 3
Spots to watch
Anything worth following is noted, and sometimes photographed, so changes are easy to see at the next exam.
- 4
Prevention, tailored to you
Practical advice on sun protection, self-checks and how often to come back, based on your risk.
Concerning spots
How a spot is assessed
Most spots can be judged by eye and with the dermatoscope, and many need nothing more than watching. When a spot has features that could be cancer, the next step is a biopsy: a small sample of skin removed under local anesthetic, usually at the same visit. It takes a few minutes and you can drive yourself home.
The sample goes to a dermatopathology laboratory, where it is examined under the microscope. That report tells us exactly what the spot is and guides any treatment.
Results & follow-up
How we share results
Biopsy results usually take a couple of weeks. We contact you by phone or through the patient portal and explain what was found in plain language.
- Benign: nothing more is needed, or we simply keep an eye on it
- Precancerous: a quick in-office treatment, such as freezing or a prescription cream
- Skin cancer: we explain the type, the options, and schedule treatment or arrange a referral
Types of skin cancer
What we look for
Melanoma
The most serious skin cancer, usually arising as a new dark spot or a changing mole. Highly treatable when found early. In darker skin it often appears on the palms, soles or under a nail.
Basal cell carcinoma
The most common skin cancer. Often a pearly or pink bump, or a sore that heals and reopens, on sun-exposed skin. It rarely spreads but grows locally and is best removed early.
Squamous cell carcinoma
A firm, scaly or crusted growth, often on the face, ears, scalp, lips or hands. Usually curable when treated promptly; some can spread if neglected.
Actinic keratosis
A rough, sandpaper-like precancer caused by sun damage. Treating it early prevents progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
Treatment
Treatment at West End, and when we refer
Provided in our office
- Full-body and spot-check skin exams, including dermatoscopy
- Skin biopsies, usually at the same visit under local anesthetic
- Treatment of precancerous spots with freezing (cryotherapy) or prescription creams
- Surgical removal (excision) of many basal and squamous cell carcinomas and other growths, with stitches, in our procedure room
- Ongoing surveillance after a skin cancer, on a schedule matched to your risk
Arranged by referral
- Mohs micrographic surgery, for cancers on the face or in other delicate areas, recurrent cancers, or cancers with aggressive features: we refer you to a Mohs surgeon and coordinate your follow-up care
- Melanoma that needs wider surgery, lymph node evaluation or oncology care: we make the diagnosis, arrange the referral and stay involved in your skin surveillance
Either way, you stay our patient: we track your results, follow up after treatment and keep your skin exams on schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have a skin exam?
Once a year is a sensible baseline for most adults, and more often if you have had a skin cancer, many atypical moles or a weakened immune system. We will recommend a schedule at your visit.
Is a skin exam covered by insurance?
Skin exams and biopsies are medical care and are generally covered, subject to your plan's deductible, copay and network rules. Some plans require a referral. See our insurance guidance or call us to check before your visit.
Can I have one spot checked without a full exam?
Yes. Call and tell us you have a spot you'd like looked at. We may still suggest a full exam, since people often have more than one spot worth checking.
Will a biopsy leave a scar?
A biopsy removes a small piece of skin, so it leaves a small mark that fades over months. We choose the technique with that in mind, and we will tell you how to care for the site.
How will I get my results?
Biopsy results usually take a couple of weeks. We contact you by phone or through the patient portal, explain what was found, and schedule any treatment that is needed.
What should I do between visits?
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, check your own skin monthly using the ABCDEs, and call if anything new or changing appears. Don't wait for your annual visit.
Appointments
Ready to schedule a skin exam?
Medical appointments are scheduled by phone. Telehealth (virtual) visits are available: call and ask for a Virtual Visit.
New patients
Call the medical office to schedule your first visit. Have your insurance card handy.
Current patients
Call us, or sign in to the Existing Patient Portal for records, messages and follow-ups.
For your privacy, please don't send symptoms, photos or other health details by email. Call us or use the patient portal instead.