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Services / Skin Cancer, Lesions & Mohs Surgery / Skin Cancer, Lesions & Mohs Surgery

Skin Cancer, Lesions & Mohs Surgery

Expert skin cancer care and Mohs surgery in Ohio—early detection, precise treatment, and trusted support for long-term skin health.

Skin cancer and precancerous lesions can develop silently and progress quickly without proper evaluation. At DOCS Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons provide comprehensive screenings, skin checks, and advanced diagnostics to detect and treat the full spectrum of skin cancers and suspicious lesions.

Actinic Keratosis Treatment: Caused by sun damage; treated with topical creams, cryotherapy, or laser therapy to remove precancerous cells and reduce skin cancer risk.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, often appearing as a pearly bump, scar-like patch, or lesion that bleeds easily. BCC grows slowly but should be treated promptly to prevent deeper tissue damage.

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Dermatofibroma: A common benign skin lesion that appears as a firm, dome-shaped bump. While harmless, dermatofibromas can be removed if painful, irritated, or cosmetically concerning.

Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma often develops in existing moles or as a new, dark, irregular lesion. Early detection is critical, as melanoma can spread rapidly.

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Mohs Surgery: The most precise treatment for many basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Mohs surgery removes thin layers of tissue one at a time and examines them under a microscope, ensuring all cancerous cells are eliminated while preserving healthy skin.

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Mole Checks & Removal: We evaluate atypical, changing, or bothersome moles to rule out skin cancer. When needed, we perform safe, precise mole removal for medical or cosmetic reasons.

Skin Cancer Screening & Full Body Exam: Routine, thorough skin checks to identify early signs of skin cancer, monitor moles, and detect new or changing lesions.

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A fast-growing skin cancer that may appear as a scaly patch, firm bump, or non-healing sore. SCC can spread if untreated, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

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What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Skin cancer can look different depending on type, location, and skin tone, but early warning signs typically include noticeable changes in the skin. Common symptoms include:

  • A new mole or lesion that looks different from your other spots
  • A mole that changes in shape, size, or color
  • A sore that doesn’t heal or repeatedly bleeds or crusts
  • A shiny, pearly, or translucent bump
  • A scaly patch or rough, raised growth
  • A dark streak under the nail
  • An itching, tender, or painful spot
  • Any lesion that grows rapidly or has an irregular border

If you notice sudden changes or something that simply “doesn’t look right,” a dermatologist should evaluate it promptly. Early detection dramatically improves treatment success.

How do we treat skin cancer and lesions?

Your treatment plan depends on the diagnosis, location, and depth of the lesion, as well as your medical history and skin type. Our approach focuses on accuracy, safety, and achieving the best cosmetic and functional results.

  • Mohs micrographic surgery: The most precise treatment for many basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Mohs surgery removes thin layers of tissue one at a time and examines them under a microscope, ensuring all cancerous cells are eliminated while preserving healthy skin.
  • Standard surgical excision: Used for melanoma and certain other skin cancers. This procedure removes the lesion along with a margin of healthy skin for complete clearance.
  • Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezes and destroys precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses.
  • Topical chemotherapy or immunotherapy creams: Effective for early or superficial skin cancers, allowing treatment from home under a dermatologist's guidance.
  • Electrosurgery and curettage: Removes superficial cancers and precancerous lesions by scraping and cauterizing the area.
  • Monitoring & dermoscopy: High-resolution magnification tools help us track atypical moles and detect changes early.

Most procedures are performed with comfort and cosmetic outcomes in mind. Our dermatologists provide personalized care every step of the way. Following treatment, we provide guidance on scar care, sun protection, and routine skin exams to help prevent future skin cancers and maintain long-term skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABCDE method for spotting skin cancer?
The ABCDE method is a simple, trusted guide for identifying warning signs of melanoma:

A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B - Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
C - Color: Multiple colors or uneven shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
D - Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E - Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.

If a spot meets any of these criteria, it should be evaluated promptly by a dermatologist.
When should I get a skin cancer screening?
You should schedule a skin cancer screening if you notice a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or any spot that looks unusual. People with fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer may need more frequent screenings. When in doubt, it’s best to be evaluated.
What if I have multiple spots of concern?
During a full-body exam, your dermatologist can evaluate all suspicious moles or lesions in one visit and determine the appropriate next steps.
Why should I get an annual skin exam?
Annual skin exams help detect skin cancer early—often before symptoms appear. Early detection dramatically improves treatment success, especially for melanoma and fast-growing cancers like squamous cell carcinoma. Routine exams also help monitor moles, catch precancerous lesions, and prevent future problems.
Can skin cancer return after treatment?
Yes. Even after successful treatment, skin cancer can recur in the same location or appear elsewhere on the body. Regular follow-up visits, sun protection, and self-monitoring are essential for long-term skin health—especially for individuals with a personal history of skin cancer.
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist for a skin cancer evaluation?
Most patients do not need a referral to see a dermatologist for a skin exam or suspicious lesion evaluation. Some insurance plans may require one, depending on coverage. Our team can help you determine whether a referral is needed based on your plan.
Which skin cancers are best treated with Mohs surgery?
Mohs is most commonly recommended for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), especially when the cancer is large, aggressive, recurrent, or located on cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas like the face, ears, hands, or scalp.
How effective is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatments—up to 99% for many first-time BCCs and SCCs.
What does recovery look like after Mohs surgery?
Most patients experience mild swelling, tenderness, and bruising for several days. Wound care instructions are provided, and stitches (if used) are typically removed within one to two weeks. Healing time varies depending on the size and location of the surgical site.
How do I know if a mole or spot is concerning?
If a mole changes in color, border, size, or shape—especially if it looks different from your other spots—it should be evaluated. Non-healing sores, new bumps, rapidly growing lesions, and dark streaks under the nails can also signal skin cancer.
Does cryotherapy hurt?
Most patients experience a brief stinging or burning sensation, which quickly subsides. Treated lesions often blister or crust before healing.
Can topical creams treat skin cancer?
Yes. Early or superficial skin cancers may respond well to topical chemotherapy or immunotherapy creams prescribed by your dermatologist.
Can skin cancer be prevented?
You can significantly reduce risk by using daily sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, wearing protective clothing, and getting routine skin checks.

Prioritize your skin health with expert dermatology care.

Our board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatology providers, and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons provide best-in-class treatment for all your skin health needs.

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