Skin Cancer Screening & Exams in Newport Beach, Orange County
Early Detection Saves Lives — Expert Dermatologic Skin Exams
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but when detected early, it is one of the most treatable. At Pure Dermatology Cosmetic and Hair Center in Newport Beach, Orange County, our board-certified dermatologists provide thorough skin cancer screenings and preventive exams designed to catch suspicious growths before they become dangerous.
Whether you have a history of sun exposure, multiple moles, or notice changing spots on your skin, a professional skin exam is the best way to protect your health and peace of mind.
What Is Skin Cancer Screening?
A skin cancer screening is a head-to-toe examination of your skin performed by a trained dermatologist. The goal is to identify early signs of skin cancer, including:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Basal Cell Carcinoma is a slow growing form of skin cancer that needs to be treated, not because it causes death (rare for BCCs) but because they can go down to bone and be damaging over a long period of time. Usually treated with Mohs surgery by Dr. Nguyen in our office if on face, neck, tops of hands, pretibial (ie shins/lower legs) or in areas of severe sun damaged skin or if the spot is recurrent (previously treated and came back) BCC’s are also treated with cutting it out (excision) by the provider who initially biopsied the spot or ED&C (electrodesiccation and curettage) by our PA if indicated. Some cases can be treated with chemo creams (imiquimod or Efudex).
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a more aggressive type of skin cancer than a Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), as it occasionally spreads to lymph nodes SCC usually has a precursor lesion which is called: Actinic Keratosis. We treat AK’s a few different ways:
- Liquid Nitrogen to the lesions
- Chemotherapy Creams
- Salicylic Chemical Peels
- PDT (Photodynamic Therapy)
If the AK has turned into an SCC, we perform either Mohs surgery or an excision based on the area of the skin cancer.
- Melanoma: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and life threatening types of skin cancers. Melanomas are mostly superficial and can be taken out by surgery as long as it’s treated in the early stages. Melanomas typically have a precursor to them that can arise from otherwise normal-appearing skin. Some freckles or moles that start to change can be a sign of Melanoma.
- Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis (AKs), or skin precancers, are scaly growths that are typically pink dry and flaky on sun-exposed skin. They generally come and go with sun-exposure, and tend to affect people who are fair-skinned and live in sunny environments (like ours in Newport Beach California!). Most patients who develop AKs have a history of chronic sun exposure or frequent sunburns. These scaly DNA-damaged growths typically occur on areas repeatedly exposed to the sun, such as the face, tops of hands, V of chest and the balding scalp.
- The main concern over these spots is that they predispose affected patients to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a skin cancer that if left untreated, may spread. Approximately 10% of AKs progress into a SCC, in particular with chronic sun exposure, specifically from UV B radiation. Because patients with AKs are sun damaged, they have a higher rate of developing not only SCCs, but Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC), Melanomas, & other more rare forms of skin cancer such as Merkel cell carcinomas.
- We tend to use liquid nitrogen (LN2) to “freeze” the thick skin pre-cancers (AKs), but also know that the sun did not shine one UV ray to the skin cells of the AK, but also to the surrounding skin cells. That is why we often opt to treat our patients preventatively for their “background” non-hypertrophic AKs with “field treatment”, either in the form of a chemotherapy cream we prescribe to their pharmacy OR (and sometimes in addition) with an in-office light treatment called “PhotoDynamic Therapy” or PDT.
These screenings focus on changes in moles, new or evolving spots, irregular borders, color variations, or any lesions that bleed, itch, or fail to heal.
Why Early Detection Matters
Skin cancer can develop in anyone, even those without a family history, and may appear where you least expect it. Early detection is critical because:
- Most skin cancers are highly treatable when found early
- Early removal often means less invasive treatment
- Melanoma detected early has a significantly higher cure rate
Annual skin exams are recommended for most adults, and more frequent checks may be advised for people with high risk factors.
What to Expect During Your Skin Cancer Exam
Your dermatologist will:
- Discuss your medical history, including sun exposure, tanning bed use, family history of skin cancer, and previous skin issues
- Perform a full skin evaluation, inspecting the entire body from scalp to toes
- Assess moles or spots using clinical tools and dermoscopy (a magnified skin imaging device)
- Document any areas of concern and determine if further testing or biopsy is necessary
The exam is painless, quick, and done with privacy and comfort in mind.
Advanced Tools & Techniques
Pure Dermatology Cosmetic and Hair Center utilizes modern dermatologic technology to enhance early detection, including:
- Dermoscopy for enhanced visualization of pigmented lesions
- Total body photography for long-term monitoring
- Digital tracking of changing moles over time
These tools help dermatologists identify subtle changes that might be missed otherwise.
Who Should Get a Skin Cancer Screening?
A skin cancer exam may be recommended if you:
- Have fair skin and a history of sunburns
- Use tanning beds
- Have numerous moles or atypical moles
- Family history of skin cancer
- Notice a new, changing, or unusual spot
- Take immunosuppressive medications
Even patients without obvious risk factors benefit from routine professional skin checks because early changes aren’t always visible to the untrained eye.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Screening
How often should I have a skin cancer exam?
Most adults should have an annual skin cancer screening. Those at higher risk may benefit from more frequent exams.
What does the exam involve?
Your dermatologist evaluates your whole body, including areas often missed, scalp, back, chest, and between fingers and toes, looking for abnormal or suspicious spots.
Is the screening painful?
No. The exam is non-invasive and painless.
What if a spot looks suspicious?
If needed, a small biopsy is performed to confirm whether the area is cancerous. Early removal is often curative.
Does insurance cover skin cancer screenings?
Many insurance plans cover annual skin cancer exams, especially if there is a history or concern of skin cancer. Our staff can help verify coverage.
Protect Your Skin — Schedule a Screening Today
If you’ve noticed a new spot, changes in a mole, or simply want peace of mind, contact Pure Dermatology Cosmetic and Hair Center in Newport Beach, Orange County. Early detection is the cornerstone of successful skin cancer treatment, and we’re here to help you stay proactive about your skin health.
Call or Text Today to Book Your Appointment