Most common
Basal cell carcinoma
Often a pearly, pink, or flesh-colored bump that can bleed, scab, or look like a sore that will not finish healing. It rarely spreads, but it can grow locally if left alone.
Medical · Skin cancer
A changing spot deserves an unhurried look
Skin cancer screening, evaluation of changing lesions, biopsy when appropriate, and follow-up are part of physician-led care at Norton Dermatology & Wellness. This page explains what we look for, what to expect during a visit, and when a skin concern should be evaluated promptly.
How we care for skin cancer here
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and many skin cancers are highly treatable when detected early. At Norton Dermatology & Wellness, Dr. Norton evaluates suspicious or changing lesions, performs biopsies when appropriate, discusses pathology results and treatment options, and provides ongoing skin cancer surveillance. When Mohs surgery is the appropriate treatment, Dr. Norton will refer you to a qualified Mohs surgeon and coordinate your dermatologic follow-up.
The Most Common Types of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma can look different from person to person. Any new, changing, bleeding, non-healing, or otherwise concerning lesion deserves evaluation.
Sun-exposed skin
Squamous cell carcinoma
A scaly patch, firm bump, or tender horn-like growth — frequently on the face, ears, scalp, hands, or lips. It can grow more quickly than basal cell and should be examined promptly.
Melanoma
Can appear as a new mole or a change in an existing one. Early detection is the difference. If a spot is new, changing, or unlike your others, we want to see it.
A simple way to look at your own moles
The ABCDE guide can help you recognize features worth bringing to a dermatologist’s attention. It is not a diagnostic test, and not every melanoma follows these rules. A spot that looks noticeably different from your other moles—the “ugly duckling”—also deserves evaluation.
- A · Asymmetry
- One half of the spot does not match the other.
- B · Border
- The edge is irregular, notched, or poorly defined.
- C · Color
- More than one color — brown, black, red, white, or blue.
- D · Diameter
- Larger than about 6 mm (a pencil eraser), or growing.
- E · Evolving
- Any change in size, shape, color, itch, or bleeding.
- Ugly duckling
- The one mole that does not look like your others.
When to Have a Spot Checked
Contact the practice if you notice a new or changing lesion or a spot that concerns you, particularly one that is bleeding, scabbing, non-healing, new or changing in adulthood, a dark nail streak without known injury, rapidly growing, tender, ulcerated, or noticeably different from your other moles.
Who May Benefit From Regular Skin Examinations
The appropriate frequency of skin examinations depends on individual risk. Regular examinations may be recommended for people with a personal history of skin cancer, significant family history, numerous or atypical moles, substantial ultraviolet exposure, or certain forms of immunosuppression. Your dermatologist can recommend an appropriate follow-up schedule for you.
What a full-skin examination includes
Step 1
History
We ask what changed, when you first noticed it, and whether it itches, bleeds, or hurts.
Step 2
Full-skin examination
Scalp, face, trunk, limbs, nails, and other sites that are easy to miss at home.
Step 3
Dermoscopy when useful
A lighted magnifier helps your physician see structure beneath the surface.
Step 4
A clear recommendation
Depending on what is found, your physician may recommend observation, photography for comparison, treatment, or biopsy and will explain the next step.
If a biopsy is recommended
A biopsy removes a small sample of skin after the area is numbed with local anesthetic. Dr. Norton will explain the type of biopsy being performed, how to care for the site, when results are expected, and how results will be communicated. Pathology results and recommended next steps become part of your medical record and are communicated securely.
If you are awaiting a result or have been asked to return for treatment, please follow the instructions provided by the practice.
If a biopsy shows skin cancer
If a biopsy confirms skin cancer, Dr. Norton will review the diagnosis with you and recommend the appropriate next step. Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, its location, size, pathology findings, and other individual factors. Some skin cancers may be treated at Norton Dermatology & Wellness with appropriate in-office procedures. When Mohs surgery or another specialized treatment is indicated, Dr. Norton will refer you to the appropriate specialist and coordinate your dermatologic follow-up.
Aftercare and surveillance
After treatment, follow-up is individualized based on the type of skin cancer, treatment performed, your history, and your overall risk. Dr. Norton will recommend an appropriate schedule for future skin examinations. Between visits, sun protection and awareness of new or changing lesions remain important parts of ongoing skin health.
Ready to be seen
If you have a new or changing lesion, are due for a skin examination, or need follow-up for a history of skin cancer, request an appointment with Norton Dermatology & Wellness.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical evaluation. If you have a rapidly changing, bleeding, painful, or otherwise concerning skin lesion, please contact the practice for appropriate evaluation.