{"id":1875,"date":"2026-06-12T14:09:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T18:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/melanoma\/?page_id=1875"},"modified":"2026-06-24T17:13:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T21:13:24","slug":"skin-cancer-screening-pigmented-skin-lesion-clinic","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/melanoma\/skin-cancer-screening-pigmented-skin-lesion-clinic\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin Cancer Screening – Pigmented Skin Lesion Clinic"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1875","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

Why Skin Cancer Screening Matters<\/h2>\n

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, many skin cancers\u2014including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma\u2014can often be treated successfully when detected early. <\/p>\n

\"Saint
The Saint John’s Health Center is located in Santa Monica, CA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center, skin cancer screening is more than a routine examination. Through the Pigmented Skin Lesion Clinic and the Borstein Family Foundation Melanoma Program at Saint John\u2019s Cancer Institute, patients have access to specialists experienced in recognizing subtle skin changes.<\/p>\n

The Pigmented Skin Lesion Clinic at Saint John’s aims to identify suspicious moles, pigmented lesions, and other skin changes before they become more advanced. For individuals at increased risk, regular skin examinations can help establish a baseline for future monitoring.<\/p>\n

Early Detection Improves Outcomes<\/h2>\n

Melanoma often begins as a small change in the skin that may be difficult to recognize without expert evaluation. When detected in its earliest stages, melanoma is highly treatable and may require less extensive intervention than cancers diagnosed after they have grown deeper or spread to other parts of the body. Early identification of suspicious lesions can expand treatment options, improve outcomes, and reduce the need for more complex therapies.<\/p>\n

\"skin
A skin cancer screening is highly recommended if you have sun damaged skin, changing moles, or a family history of skin cancer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Regular skin cancer screenings are particularly important for individuals at increased risk, including those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure, numerous moles, or changing skin lesions. Screening also establishes a baseline for future monitoring, making it easier to identify subtle changes over time. And while melanoma receives significant attention because of its potential to spread, screening can also help identify basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and precancerous skin changes before they become more advanced.<\/p>\n

Even when a lesion proves to be benign, a comprehensive skin evaluation can provide reassurance, education, and guidance regarding future surveillance and sun protection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Who Should Consider a Skin Cancer Screening?<\/h2>\n

While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors may increase an individual’s risk. A screening may be especially beneficial for those with a history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure, numerous moles, or new and changing skin lesions.<\/p>\n

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Individuals at Increased Risk<\/h3>\n
\"Who
Family history, history of significant sun burns, fair skin, and light hair are some of the attributes for those at highest risk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Skin cancer screening may be recommended for individuals who have:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers<\/li>\n
  • Numerous moles or atypical (“unusual-looking”) moles<\/li>\n
  • A history of significant sun exposure or blistering sunburns<\/li>\n
  • Fair skin, light-colored eyes, or light hair<\/li>\n
  • A weakened immune system<\/li>\n
  • A new, changing, or concerning mole or skin lesion<\/li>\n
  • Not had a complete skin examination within the past year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    When to Seek an Expert Evaluation<\/h3>\n

    Adults seeking an expert assessment of their skin health, a second opinion, or evaluation of a concerning mole or lesion may also benefit from a screening. Early evaluation is particularly important when a mole appears different from surrounding moles or has changed in size, shape, color, or texture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Do you have questions about your moles, skin sores, or need an expert second opinion?<\/p>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_two_column","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content_left":"