- posted: Mar. 03, 2026
Protecting your health starts with knowing your skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most treatable when caught early. At Three Rivers Dermatology in Coraopolis, PA, Dr. Damon McClain, Dr. Susannah Berke, Leah Greco, PA-C, and Molly McIntyre, PA-C, help patients in the Pittsburgh and Sewickley areas identify suspicious growths before they become a serious threat. Regular self-exams and professional screenings are essential tools for detecting changes that may indicate malignancy.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, making it vital to recognize its warning signs. We teach our patients to use the ABCDE method when evaluating moles or pigmented spots. Look for Asymmetry, where one half does not match the other; Borders that are irregular, ragged, or blurred; and uneven Colors, including shades of black, brown, or even red and blue. The Diameter is also a factor; most melanomas are larger than a pencil eraser, though some can be smaller. Finally, Evolving is the most critical sign; if a mole changes in size, shape, or color, it requires an immediate professional evaluation.
Identifying Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas
While melanoma gets the most attention, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are far more frequent. These types of skin cancer often appear in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands. A basal cell carcinoma may look like a pearly or waxy bump, or a flat, flesh-colored lesion that bleeds and scabs but never fully heals. Squamous cell carcinoma often presents as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. If you notice a sore that recurs in the same spot or a patch of skin that feels rough and sandpaper-like, it is time for a clinical exam.
What to Look for Beyond Moles
Not all signs of skin cancer involve dark spots. Sometimes, the warning sign is a new growth that looks like a wart or a persistent, scaly patch that resembles eczema but does not respond to moisturizer. You should also pay attention to any lesion that begins to itch, tingle, or hurt. In our Coraopolis, PA, office, we use specialized tools to look deep into the skin layers, providing a level of detail that is impossible to see with the naked eye. This allows us to determine if a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Comprehensive Skin Care in the Pittsburgh Area
At Three Rivers Dermatology, we believe that preventive care is the best medicine. Whether you have a history of significant sun exposure or simply want to establish a baseline for your skin health, our team is here to provide expert guidance. We serve the communities of Coraopolis, Pittsburgh, and Sewickley, PA, with a commitment to thoroughness and patient education. By staying vigilant and scheduling annual professional screenings, you can take a proactive stance against skin cancer. If you need something checked out or want to discuss our treatment options, schedule an appointment by calling us at (412) 262-4911.
- posted: Mar. 03, 2026
Protecting your health starts with knowing your skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most treatable when caught early. At Three Rivers Dermatology in Coraopolis, PA, Dr. Damon McClain, Dr. Susannah Berke, Leah Greco, PA-C, and Molly McIntyre, PA-C, help patients in the Pittsburgh and Sewickley areas identify suspicious growths before they become a serious threat. Regular self-exams and professional screenings are essential tools for detecting changes that may indicate malignancy.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, making it vital to recognize its warning signs. We teach our patients to use the ABCDE method when evaluating moles or pigmented spots. Look for Asymmetry, where one half does not match the other; Borders that are irregular, ragged, or blurred; and uneven Colors, including shades of black, brown, or even red and blue. The Diameter is also a factor; most melanomas are larger than a pencil eraser, though some can be smaller. Finally, Evolving is the most critical sign; if a mole changes in size, shape, or color, it requires an immediate professional evaluation.
Identifying Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas
While melanoma gets the most attention, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are far more frequent. These types of skin cancer often appear in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands. A basal cell carcinoma may look like a pearly or waxy bump, or a flat, flesh-colored lesion that bleeds and scabs but never fully heals. Squamous cell carcinoma often presents as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. If you notice a sore that recurs in the same spot or a patch of skin that feels rough and sandpaper-like, it is time for a clinical exam.
What to Look for Beyond Moles
Not all signs of skin cancer involve dark spots. Sometimes, the warning sign is a new growth that looks like a wart or a persistent, scaly patch that resembles eczema but does not respond to moisturizer. You should also pay attention to any lesion that begins to itch, tingle, or hurt. In our Coraopolis, PA, office, we use specialized tools to look deep into the skin layers, providing a level of detail that is impossible to see with the naked eye. This allows us to determine if a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Comprehensive Skin Care in the Pittsburgh Area
At Three Rivers Dermatology, we believe that preventive care is the best medicine. Whether you have a history of significant sun exposure or simply want to establish a baseline for your skin health, our team is here to provide expert guidance. We serve the communities of Coraopolis, Pittsburgh, and Sewickley, PA, with a commitment to thoroughness and patient education. By staying vigilant and scheduling annual professional screenings, you can take a proactive stance against skin cancer. If you need something checked out or want to discuss our treatment options, schedule an appointment by calling us at (412) 262-4911.
