Skin Cancer

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined. (1) Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, most often from the sun. The UV rays damage DNA in the skin cells, which causes out-of-control growth of abnormal skin cells, forming tumors.

With a commitment to providing the highest quality skin care possible, Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center offers state-of-the-art skin cancer treatments led by Dr. Paul Yamauchi who is board-certified and highly knowledgeable in medical and complex dermatology. His advanced expertise leads the field of dermatology through fellowships, published research, excellent patient care, and cutting-edge treatments. Joining Dr. Yamauchi in offering cutting-edge skin cancer solutions are Dr. Joshua Hekmatjah and Alice Musher, PA-C. Dr. Hekmatjah is board-certified and dedicated to clinical excellence through patient-centered care. He has completed research and fellowship training in skin diseases. Alice Musher, PA-C is board-certified and combines personalized patient care with extensive training and research for exceptional patient results.

To find out more about the causes, signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of skin cancer, schedule your personal consultation today, by calling (310) 829-4104 or contact us online.

About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer rates are increasing worldwide, (2) and one in five Americans developing skin cancer by the age of 70. (1) The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Other factors contributing to the increased rates include UV exposure from tanning beds, increased life expectancy, genetics, gender, improved diagnostic tools, clothing styles without adequate sun protection, and ozone depletion.

With early detection tools and advanced treatment, skin cancer is treatable with minimal effects. Skin cancer has some easily identifiable signs and symptoms. You can use the ABCDE guide for early detection by looking for:

  • A – Asymmetrical or irregularly shaped moles
  • B – Borders are ragged, irregular, or poorly defined
  • C – Color variation with different shades of red, brown, black, pink, white, or blue
  • D- Diameter is larger than six millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser)
  • E – Evolving in appearance with changes to the mole’s shape, size, elevation, and color or oozing, bleeding, itching

Skin cancers are classified based on the type and location of impacted skin cells. The two layers of the skin are the outer epidermis and the deeper, inner dermis. The skin contains many different types of cells, including keratinocytes and melanocytes, which can develop into skin cancer.

There are two distinct types of skin cancer: melanoma skin cancer (MSC) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). They develop in different layers of the skin, have different appearances, and behave very differently. NMSCs are much more common, slow growing, and rarely spread. NMSCs commonly include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the less common Merkel cell carcinoma. Melanoma is rarer than NMSCs, but more dangerous. It grows quickly and spreads to other organs if not caught early.

Melanoma Skin Cancer (MSC)

Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, but the most serious. It begins in the deepest part of the epidermis (outer layer of skin) in the melanocytes, which are the cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and develops into the dermis. Melanoma grows rapidly and spreads aggressively beyond the skin to other organs. It appears as changes to existing moles or forms on the skin as a new, unusual spot. Outcomes are good with early diagnoses and treatment.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC)

Non-melanoma skin cancers, or keratinocyte carcinomas, are the most frequent type of skin cancers. They develop in the epidermis in the skin’s main cells, keratinocytes. NMSCs grow slowly and rarely spread. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma account for 99% of NMSCs. (2)

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. Begins in the lowest part of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) developing from basal cells. It is the most common type of skin cancer making up about 75-80% of all cases. It scabs and bleeds easily and can look like a round, pearly or shiny bump or a pink patch. It often affects people with fair skin on sun-exposed areas, but it can develop in people of all skin tones.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Making up roughly 25% of NMSCs, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer overall. It occurs in the upper layer of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) in the squamous cells. It grows slightly faster than BCC and is frequently found in areas with lots of direct sun exposure. SCC appears as a rough, scaly patch, a firm red bump, or a non-healing sore that may bleed or crust over. It often develops out of rough, dry, pre-cancerous patches called actinic keratoses.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer. It develops deep within the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) in Merkel cells, which are specialized cells that communicate light touch and pressure with nerves. MCC appears as a firm flesh or red/purple/blue bump, often appearing on the head or neck. It is most common in people older than 65 with fair skin. MCC can spread quickly and is recurring so early treatment is important.

There are many effective treatments for skin cancer with exceptionally high cure rates. Dr. Yamauchi will tailor your treatment plan to optimize results, minimize treatment impact, and preserve your healthy skin.

Candidates

Candidates should be screened for skin cancer if they have any of these risk factors:

  • Fair skin and light features
  • Sunburn easily and severely
  • A previous history of skin cancer
  • A family history of skin cancer
  • Significant time spent in the sun or tanning
  • Older in age (as sun damage is cumulative)
  • Actinic keratoses (precancerous cells)
  • Abnormal moles or suspicious areas on the skin

Personal Consultation

Annual skin screenings are an excellent way to detect skin issues early when they are more easily treatable. You may need more frequent screenings if you are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. If skin cancer is detected, your personal consultation is when we will discuss your medical history and the various treatment options. Your treatment provider will build your plan specifically to fit your needs and support you throughout your treatment process.

If you suspect you have skin cancer or have any high risk factors, schedule your skin screening by calling our Santa Monica office at (310) 829-4104 or contact us online.

Preparation

Your customized treatment plan will include recommendations to ensure smooth, safe treatment and effective results. Common suggestions include reviewing medications and supplement usage (adjusting, if necessary), preparing a comfortable recovery space at home, and organizing transportation home after treatment.

Procedure

Your comfort throughout treatment is our priority. After you have settled in, we will review the plan, answer any questions, and carefully mark the treatment spot. Then you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area for comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Yamauchi will precisely address the cancerous cells with the appropriate technique(s). The exact procedure used will depend on the type of skin cancer, the size and depth of the area, and your overall health.

Surgical Treatments

  • Excision: Cancerous cells are removed along with a small border of healthy cells.
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation: After scraping off the cancerous layer, electric current is applied to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
  • Mohs micrographic surgery: A thin layer of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. If cancerous cells are found, the next layer is removed. The process continues until normal cells are found.

Non-Surgical and Topical Treatments

  • Topical creams: Medications are applied directly on to the skin to treat surface level skin cancers. There are various types of topical creams including chemotherapy, fluorouracil (5-FU), and imiquimod creams.
  • Cryotherapy: The cancerous cells are frozen and destroyed with liquid nitrogen.
  • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): First, a light-activated drug is applied to the skin and it gathers in the cancerous cells. Then, a special light or laser activates the medication to destroy the cancer cells and leave the healthy tissue unimpacted.
  • Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays destroy cancer cells.

Recovery

Skin cancer recovery will depend on the techniques applied and the size of the treatment area. Immediately after the procedure, the area will be covered with bandages. During the healing process, the treatment area must be protected from UV rays. The surface of the skin will heal in the first few weeks and full healing under the surface takes several months to complete. Scars will continue to mature and fade for one to two years.

Results

With advances in skin cancer treatments, the outcomes are favorable with high success rates, low recurrence rates, and minimal scarring. It is important to continue regular skin screenings after treatment, as there is higher risk of getting it again.

Cost of Skin Cancer Treatment in Santa Monica and Los Angeles

The cost of your skin cancer treatment will vary depending on the severity and techniques used. At the Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center, we strive to make skin cancer treatment accessible to all patients. Your customized treatment plan will include a comprehensive price quote. To find out more about payment options and the treatment of skin cancer, schedule your personal consultation today, by calling (310) 829-4104 or contact us online.

FAQ

How can I prevent skin cancer?

To help prevent skin cancer, the most important step you can take is to apply sunscreen when you are outside. Sun protection factor, or SPF, should be at least 30, or 50 if you are at high risk of skin cancer or sunburn easily.

Will cancer cells continue to grow after treatment?

Skin cancer treatment will effectively destroy cancerous cells in the treatment area so that they cannot grow. If, however, you develop more cancerous cells in the future, we can remove additional layers.

Will my skin cancer treatment leave a scar?

Any treatment that makes an incision will leave some sort of scar. Dr. Yamauchi is highly skilled in advanced surgical techniques to minimize the appearance of any scars. The scar will continue to develop, flatten, and fade past the one year mark.

What is the difference between melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer?

Two distinct types of skin cancer that develop in different skin cells. Melanoma forms in the melanocytes, grows and spreads quickly, and is far more aggressive and dangerous. Non-melnoma skin cancer is much more common, and grows slowly in the keratinocyte cells.

Where can I get skin cancer?

Skin cancer can grow on any part of the body. It frequently appears in moles and areas of the skin commonly exposed to the sun, but it can develop anywhere on any skin tone.

References

  1. Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics. The Skin Cancer Foundation. February 2024. Accessed September 1, 2026. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
  2. Apalla Z, Lallas A, Sotiriou E, Lazaridou E, Ioannides D. Epidemiological trends in skin cancer. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. 2017;7(2). doi:10.5826/dpc.0702a01
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