Skin Cancer Detection & Treatment

Early Detection, Improved Patient Outcomes

Though skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., the good news is that it is highly curable when caught early. Regular preventative skin screenings are one of the most important things you can do for the health of your skin as well as your overall health. Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center offers routine, thorough skin cancer checks for peace of mind. If we catch the cancer early, we will most likely be able to effectively treat it right away.

Dr. Lawrence inspecting a patient's skin on his head.

Skin Screenings In Virginia Beach, VA

A full body skin cancer screening is a thorough examination of your skin by our dermatology team. We’ll check your skin from head to toe, including areas that are less commonly checked, like the scalp, soles of the feet, between the toes, and under nails. If our dermatology team detects anything suspicious, we may perform a biopsy. During your screening, we look for:

  • Asymmetrical moles or lesions
  • Raised spots
  • Rough or wart-like spots
  • Moles with uneven borders
  • Spots that bleed or itch
  • Crusty-looking spots
  • Spots that are multiple colors
  • Dark moles
  • Spots that change over time

Warning Signs & Risk Factors

Though you should receive regular screenings at our dermatology practice and skin surgery center, checking over your own skin periodically is an important part of early detection as well. At home, be especially careful to check areas that are most often exposed to the sun, such as your arms and legs. Although cancer of the skin can develop on any part of the body, these areas, known as “the trunk,” are most susceptible to sun exposure and damage. If you notice any changes to your skin or moles, or anything that looks unusual, contact us to schedule your screening right away.

Looking at skin up close with a magnifying instrument

Common Types Of Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, and knowing the signs of each type can be vital to early detection. The most common kinds include:

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of all skin cancers. The large majority of the disease is caused by prolonged exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type. The cancer can look different on everyone but usually appears as red and scaly patches, sores or thick, rough skin that resembles a wart, usually on the parts of the skin that are most exposed to sun. These spots may itch, bleed or appear crusty. When it is caught early, this type of cancer is usually curable.

This is the most uncommon but also the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma is normally characterized by a mole or legion that is dark, looks abnormal or has changed over time. It can also develop in an existing mole that already exists. If left undetected, it can quickly spread to other parts of the body, which makes it the most deadly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, when detected early, melanoma has a 99% 5 year survival rate.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Most cancers of the skin are preventable with proper daily sun protection. While we understand that the feeling of the sun on your skin can feel good, every sunburn increases your chances of getting cancer of the skin.

  • Perform monthly skin checks: Check over your skin once a month on your own. If you spot anything unusual or worrisome, visit us at our skin surgery and dermatology practice in Virginia Beach, VA.

  • Wear sunscreen: Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 on a daily basis and make sure to reapply throughout the day as directed.

  • Cover your skin: Wear long-sleeved, breathable clothing, hats and UV-blocking sunglasses when outside. The more skin you cover from the sun, the better.

  • Choose the shade: Whenever you can, select a shady spot outdoors.

  • Avoid tanning: “Laying out” at the beach or pool and seeking out tanning beds are bad for your skin. Don’t do it!

Treatment

At Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, we are dedicated to providing our patients with modern and cutting-edge, medically-proven skin cancer treatments that effectively and comfortably remove the cancer. Treatment will vary depending on various factors including the type of disease but include:

Traditional Mohs and slow Mohs surgery are precise surgical techniques that remove cancer portion by portion. The technique allows for minimal removal of healthy skin and cosmetically-pleasing results.

Excision removes a cancerous lesion as well as a part of the healthy skin around it and is commonly used for non-melanoma skin cancers.

Cryosurgery can be used to destroy diseased cells, including some surface-level cancers of the skin, through the application of liquid nitrogen.

This advanced treatment combines light therapy and a photosensitizing agent to abnormal or pre-cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy is most commonly used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Schedule A Skin Cancer Screening At Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center

In addition to practicing skin-safe habits every day, regular skin checks are one of the best ways to catch cancers of the skin early. During your screening, our team carefully and thoroughly examines your body for any suspicious-looking moles or spots. Visit us to get your skin checked by calling (757) 689-8183 or scheduling an appointment online.

Dr. Chang smiling talking to an older male patient
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Your Skin Is Precious—Choose a Trustworthy Team

Ready to take the next step toward healthier skin? At Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, we’re committed to exceptional care in general dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and preventative care—all with your comfort in mind. Whether you’re in Virginia Beach or nearby, our minimally invasive approach ensures effective, natural-looking results. Schedule your appointment today and experience patient-first care that sets us apart.

Expert Dermatology Delivered With Precision

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