Complete Skin Cancer Care in Encinitas, CA

From detection to treatment, get complete skin cancer care under one roof. Dr. Sheila Krishna offers thorough screening, precise diagnosis, and advanced treatment options including Mohs surgery for the best possible outcomes.

Schedule Consultation

📞 (760) 783-5502

200+ 5 Star Reviews

Immediate Appointments

Board Certified

Understanding Skin Cancer

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with about 1 in 5 Americans diagnosed in their lifetime. Most cases are caused by ultraviolet radiation and are highly treatable when caught early.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer. Often appears as a pearly pimple or bump on sun-exposed skin that does not heal. May grow slowly and bleed when irritated.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Typically appears as a red, scaly, non-healing patch on sun-exposed skin. May develop a thick white crust on top. Treatable and curable when diagnosed early.

Melanoma

The most serious skin cancer. Usually appears as a dark brown or black patch or bump, though it can also be pink. Early detection is critical to prevent spread.

Personalized Care

How Dr. Krishna Approaches Skin Cancer

Treatment starts with a complete skin exam and accurate diagnosis. From there, Dr. Krishna matches the approach to the type, size, and location of the cancer.

01

Complete Skin Examination

Dr. Krishna performs a head-to-toe check, including the scalp, lips, nails, palms, and soles, using dermoscopy when helpful.

02

Diagnosis

If a lesion looks suspicious, a biopsy is taken in the office to confirm the type of skin cancer before any treatment decision.

03

Treatment Plan

You and Dr. Krishna review the options together. The right approach depends on cancer type, location, and your overall health.

Treatment Options May Include:

Skin Excision Removes the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding tissue. Performed in the office, with an over 95% cure rate for early-stage cancers.
Mohs Surgery The gold standard for basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the face, hands, feet, neck, and scalp. Performed in the office with an over 99% cure rate.
Topical Therapy For select thin, low-grade skin cancers. Prescription creams such as fluorouracil and imiquimod work with the body's natural immune response.

I have had melanoma twice, so my dermatologist is very important to me. Dr. Krishna is knowledgeable, thorough, and kind. I trust her completely.

Stephanie M., patient review

Your Questions, Answered

Skin Cancer FAQ

How often should I have a skin check?

Most adults benefit from a yearly full body skin exam. You may need to be seen more frequently if you have a personal history of skin cancer, multiple atypical moles, blistering sunburns, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma. Dr. Krishna will recommend a schedule based on your individual risk.

What does skin cancer look like?

Skin cancer often shows up as a new bump, spot, or patch that grows, changes, or bleeds. Basal cell carcinoma typically looks like a pearly bump that does not heal. Squamous cell carcinoma appears as a red, scaly patch. Melanoma usually shows up as a dark brown or black spot. Any new or changing lesion should be evaluated.

Who is at risk for skin cancer?

Anyone can develop skin cancer. Risk is higher for people with a history of tanning bed use, blistering sunburns, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma. Skin cancer is most common in non-Hispanic White individuals but can occur in all skin tones, sometimes on the palms, soles, nails, or inside the mouth.

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs is a precise surgical technique where the cancer is removed in thin layers and examined under a microscope until the tissue is clear. It has the highest cure rate for basal and squamous cell carcinomas and spares as much healthy tissue as possible. It is the gold standard for skin cancers on the face, hands, feet, neck, and scalp.

Does insurance cover skin cancer screenings?

Most insurance plans cover skin cancer screenings and treatment, especially when there is a specific concern such as a new or changing lesion. Coastal Pacific Dermatology accepts most major insurance plans and our team can verify your benefits before your appointment.