Skin Cancer / Precancerous Skin Lesions
These are among the most serious of all skin conditions. If you have a spot that doesn't heal, bleeds or grows quickly, get it checked.
Early detection. Expert care. Peace of mind.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but when it is found early, treatment is often highly successful. Whether you’ve noticed a new spot, a sore that won’t heal, or changes in an existing mole, an evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist is the best place to start.
Dr. Johnson provides comprehensive skin cancer evaluations for patients of all ages. Working alongside her experienced dermatology team, she carefully examines suspicious lesions, confirms diagnoses when necessary, and develops individualized treatment plans based on your specific condition.
Understanding skin cancer
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells begin growing uncontrollably, most often as a result of cumulative ultraviolet (UV) damage from the sun or indoor tanning. While some skin cancers grow slowly, others are more aggressive, making early diagnosis especially important.
- Not every suspicious spot is skin cancer. Many growths are harmless or benign.
- Others are considered precancerous and should be treated before they have an opportunity to develop into cancer.
- Precancerous actinic keratosis (AK) and atypical/dysplastic nevi (abnormal moles) are common and should also be treated.
Because skin cancer can appear in many different ways, any changing, growing, bleeding, or non-healing lesion should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.
Skin cancer warning signs
Schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- A new or changing mole
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A spot that bleeds easily
- A rough, scaly patch that persists
- A shiny or pearly bump
- A growth that continues to enlarge
- Persistent itching, tenderness, or pain within a lesion
If a spot looks different from your other moles or continues to change over time, get the spot evaluated.
Skin cancer treatment, at a glance
Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, its size, location, and how deeply it extends into the skin.
Following your evaluation, Dr. Johnson will recommend the treatment option that is most appropriate for your diagnosis. Treatment may include:
Surgical Removal
Many skin cancers can be successfully treated with a minor surgical procedure performed in the office.
Treatment for Precancerous Lesions
Precancerous growths can often be treated before they progress to skin cancer, helping preserve healthy skin and reduce future risk.
Biopsy
Many precancerous skin lesions or questionable skin spots can be checked with a simple biopsy, with results sent off to a lab for confirmation.
Ongoing Skin Checks
Patients who have had skin cancer benefit from routine skin examinations to monitor for recurrence or identify new lesions at the earliest possible stage.
Referral for Specialized Care
For certain skin cancers or more complex cases, additional treatment or referral to a specialized surgical team may be recommended. If that is the best option for your care, Dr. Johnson will guide you through the process and coordinate appropriate follow-up.
Skin Cancer FAQs
No. Many skin lesions are benign, but only a professional examination — and sometimes a biopsy — can determine the diagnosis with confidence.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically develops on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, ears, scalp, neck, and arms.
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as:
- A pearly or shiny bump
- A sore that heals and returns
- A pink or flesh-colored growth
- A flat scar-like area
Although basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, early treatment helps prevent continued growth and damage to surrounding tissue.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Without treatment, some cases can grow deeper into the skin or spread beyond the original site.
It may appear as:
- A rough or scaly patch
- A crusted or wart-like growth
- A sore that does not heal
- A tender or thickened area of skin
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important for achieving the best outcome.
Melanoma
Melanoma is less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma but is the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Melanoma often develops as a changing mole or a new pigmented lesion. Dr. Johnson carefully evaluates suspicious moles and skin lesions and may recommend a biopsy when appropriate.
Precancerous skin lesions (Actinic Keratoses)
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches caused by years of cumulative sun exposure. While not skin cancer themselves, they are considered precancerous because some may eventually develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
Treating these lesions early helps reduce the risk of progression and supports long-term skin health.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but your risk may be higher if you have:
- Fair skin or light-colored eyes
- A history of frequent sun exposure or blistering sunburns
- Used indoor tanning beds
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Numerous moles
- A weakened immune system
- Increasing age
Even patients without significant risk factors can develop skin cancer, making regular skin examinations an important part of preventive care.
While not every skin cancer can be prevented, simple, healthy steps can reduce your risk:
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours.
- Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats when outdoors.
- Avoid indoor tanning.
- Perform regular self-skin examinations.
- Schedule routine professional skin checks based on your individual risk factors.
Protecting your skin today helps support healthier skin for years to come.
Many adults benefit from regular skin examinations, especially those with a history of skin cancer, numerous moles, significant sun exposure, or other risk factors. Dr. Johnson can recommend the screening schedule that’s right for you.
Any mole that changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms — or simply looks different from your other moles — should be evaluated promptly.
Most skin cancers are highly treatable, particularly when diagnosed early. Regular skin examinations remain one of the most effective tools for early detection.
Schedule a skin cancer consultation at Steele
If you’ve noticed a changing mole, a persistent sore, or a new growth that concerns you, don’t wait to have it evaluated.
Dr. Johnson and the Steele Dermatology team provide comprehensive skin cancer evaluations, personalized treatment recommendations, and ongoing skin health monitoring in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Schedule an appointment at our Buckhead or Alpharetta office and take an important step toward protecting your skin
Request an appointment
Schedule online, call (770) 464-6000 or text us, and one of our specialists will assist you.
