Melanoma Treatment & Early Detection in Kerrville, TX

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer—but when detected early, it is highly treatable. At Precision Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologist provides urgent melanoma evaluations, biopsies, and advanced treatment options for patients in Kerrville, TX and the Texas Hill Country. If you’ve noticed a changing mole or new dark spot, we encourage you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma begins in the skin’s melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. It can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new lesion anywhere on the body.
Unlike other skin cancers, melanoma can spread quickly to other organs—making early diagnosis essential.

Signs that may indicate melanoma include:

• • A new or changing mole

  • A dark spot that looks irregular

  • A lesion that grows quickly

  • A mole that bleeds, itches, or scabs

The ABCDE Warning Signs of Melanoma

Dermatologists use the ABCDE Rule to identify suspicious lesions:

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other

• B – Border: Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges

• C – Color: Multiple shades (brown, black, red, white, blue)

• D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller

• E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color

Any lesion that fits even one of these criteria should be evaluated immediately.

Risk Factors for Melanoma

You may be at higher risk if you have:

• • Fair skin or light eye color

  • A history of blistering sunburns

  • Numerous or atypical moles

  • A family history of melanoma

  • Frequent sun exposure or tanning bed use

  • A weakened immune system

Melanoma affects all skin types, but prevention and early detection are crucial for everyone.

How Melanoma Is Diagnosed

If melanoma is suspected, your dermatologist will:

• • Perform a full-body skin exam
  • Take dermoscopic images of suspicious lesions
  • Perform a biopsy to confirm diagnosis
  • Discuss the melanoma stage and treatment options if confirmed

Accurate staging helps determine whether the melanoma is confined to the skin or has spread deeper.

Treatment Options for Melanoma

Your treatment plan depends on the stage and depth of the melanoma. Precision Dermatology offers:

• Surgical Excision:
  Removal of the melanoma and a safety margin of surrounding skin.

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery (Case-Specific):
  Considered for certain melanoma in situ (MIS) or lentigo maligna on cosmetically sensitive areas.

• Lymph Node Evaluation:
  If the melanoma has a higher risk of spreading, we coordinate sentinel lymph node biopsy through specialized care partners.

• Multidisciplinary Care:
  For advanced or metastatic melanoma, we work closely with oncologists to ensure coordinated treatment.

Our priority is early removal, accurate staging, and long-term follow-up.

Schedule an Urgent Skin Cancer Evaluation

If you’ve noticed a changing mole or new dark spot, don’t wait. Melanoma can progress quickly, and early diagnosis saves lives. Call (830) 890-5181