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Pre-Cancer & Skin Cancer

Medical Dermatology

Skin Cancer Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment in Santa Monica, CA

Protecting Your Health, One Skin Exam at a Time

At Griffin Dermatology, early detection saves lives. Our skin cancer screening and treatment services are designed to catch suspicious lesions before they become life-threatening. Whether you’re coming in for a routine mole check or a follow-up on a changing spot, we provide thorough evaluations, fast diagnostics, and expert treatment—all in a compassionate, patient-first environment.

Located in Santa Monica and serving patients from Brentwood, Venice, Pacific Palisades, and beyond, we specialize in identifying and treating both precancerous lesions and confirmed skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

What Is Skin Cancer Screening?

Skin cancer screening is a full-body visual exam performed by a board-certified dermatologist to check for signs of skin cancer, pre-cancer, or abnormal moles. At Griffin Dermatology, screenings are conducted by Dr. Molly Griffin, who brings deep expertise in early detection and biopsy precision.

What We Look For:

  • New, changing, or irregularly shaped moles
  • Scaly or crusty patches
  • Non-healing spots or bleeding growths
  • Pigmented lesions with asymmetry, uneven borders, or color variation

We follow the ABCDE rule to evaluate atypical moles and use dermatoscopy and digital monitoring as needed.

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What Are Actinic Keratoses?

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common precancerous lesions caused by chronic sun exposure. They often appear as rough, pink, or scaly patches—especially on the face, scalp, ears, and hands. While not cancerous initially, untreated AKs can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, so timely treatment is critical.

At Griffin Dermatology, we treat actinic keratoses using:

  • Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freeze treatment)
  • Topical field therapy (prescription creams targeting damaged cells)
  • In-office lesion removal for persistent or suspicious growths
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Skin Cancer Treatment Options

If a lesion is diagnosed as cancerous, we offer expert treatment with a focus on precision, minimal scarring, and long-term skin health.

Our treatments include:

Biopsy

A quick, in-office procedure used to confirm diagnosis. We perform shave biopsies, punch biopsies, or excisional biopsies depending on the location and nature of the lesion.

Excision

Surgical removal of confirmed skin cancers with careful margin control to reduce recurrence risk. Ideal for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Cryotherapy

Quick, non-invasive freezing of superficial pre-cancers or early AKs. No downtime, and often no need for stitches.

All procedures are performed by Dr. Molly Griffin in our Santa Monica dermatology office, using sterile, precise techniques and post-care support.

Who Should Get Screened?

We recommend annual skin checks for all adults, especially if you have:
  • Fair skin or light eyes
  • A history of sunburns or tanning bed use
  • A personal or family history of skin cancer
  • Over 50 moles or changing spots
  • New or unusual growths

Early detection can dramatically reduce the risk of progression. Many skin cancers are easily treated when caught early—don’t wait.

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Why Choose Griffin Dermatology?

  • Board-Certified Dermatology Care: All screenings and treatments are performed by Dr. Griffin herself
  • Advanced Diagnostic Techniques: Including dermoscopy and precision biopsies
  • Comprehensive Management: From suspicious moles to confirmed cancers—we manage it all under one roof
  • Cosmetically Minded Treatment: Especially for facial lesions—scarring minimized wherever possible
  • Trusted by Families Across West LA: Patients from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice, and Pacific Palisades rely on us for lifelong skin cancer care
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Don’t Ignore a Suspicious Spot

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening Today

If you’ve noticed a new mole, a non-healing lesion, or simply want peace of mind, book a full-body skin exam with Dr. Griffin today.

CALL US NOW BOOK AN APPOINTMENT