General & Surgical Dermatology
Skin Cancer & Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer — and when detected early, it can be effectively treated. Dr. Sergay conducts thorough skin exams using dermoscopy, a polarized light technology, to catch suspicious lesions before they progress. Same-day biopsies available.
Dr. Sergay's Approach
Thorough Screening. Early Detection. Effective Treatment.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Dr. Sergay conducts thorough skin exams using dermoscopy — a polarized light technology that allows her to visualize subsurface structures invisible to the naked eye. If a lesion suspicious for skin cancer is noted, a biopsy can be done that same day to provide precise information allowing for correct and prompt management.
When detected early, skin cancer can be effectively treated. When treatment is needed, the options vary depending on the type of skin cancer, location, size, and your medical history and preferences. Dr. Sergay will always take the time to discuss the pros and cons of each method and answer any questions you have.
Whether you need a routine full-body skin check, evaluation of a concerning spot, or surgical removal of a diagnosed skin cancer, Dr. Sergay provides comprehensive, expert care from screening through treatment.
Dermoscopy Technology
Dr. Sergay uses dermoscopy — a polarized light handheld device — during every skin exam. This tool significantly improves the accuracy of skin cancer detection compared to the naked eye alone, reducing unnecessary biopsies and catching cancers earlier.
Same-Day Biopsy
No second appointment needed
Board-Certified
Medical & surgical expertise
Know the Difference
Types of Skin Cancer
The three most common skin cancers each have distinct appearances, behaviors, and treatment approaches. Accurate diagnosis begins with a thorough skin exam and biopsy.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and commonly arises in areas of sun exposure. BCCs can look like non-healing sores, scaly pink patches, or shiny white bumps — sometimes pigmented. They are slow-growing and only rarely invade deeper into the body. However, they should be removed entirely because they can destroy local structures.
Risk note: Fair skin, history of sunburns, and prolonged UV exposure are the primary risk factors.
- Most common skin cancer type
- Arises in sun-exposed areas
- Non-healing sores or pearly bumps
- Slow-growing but locally destructive
- Rarely spreads to other organs
- Highly curable when caught early
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
There are many ways an SCC can look — but commonly it will be a new plaque or bump with scale, crust, or ulceration. After biopsy, Dr. Sergay will know the correct management strategy for your specific cancer.
Risk note: Excessive sun exposure and tanning beds play a central role. Sun protection and management of precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) significantly lower your risk.
- Scaly, crusted plaque or bump
- May ulcerate or bleed
- Can arise from actinic keratoses
- Higher metastatic potential than BCC
- Tanning bed use increases risk significantly
- Early treatment minimizes spread risk
Melanoma
While melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC, it is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can be highly curable when caught early — making regular skin exams and early biopsy of suspicious moles critically important.
Risk note: Risk factors include many moles, personal or family history of skin cancer, sun-sensitive (fair) skin, history of blistering sunburns, indoor tanning, and a history of other cancers.
- Responsible for most skin cancer deaths
- Can arise from existing moles or new spots
- Use the ABCDE rule to self-monitor
- Highly curable if caught in early stages
- Can spread to lymph nodes and organs
- Annual skin checks are essential
Melanoma Warning Signs
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
If you notice a spot on your skin, follow the ABCDE rule — it describes the warning signs of melanoma. If a mole or spot shows any of these signs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sergay promptly.
Asymmetry
One half of the mole does not match the other half. Normal moles are typically symmetrical — if you draw a line through the middle, both halves should look the same.
Border
The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. Normal moles have smooth, even borders. Melanomas often have uneven, poorly defined edges.
Color
More than one color in a mole — including varying shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue. Normal moles are a single shade of brown. Multiple colors within one spot are a warning sign.
Diameter
Greater than 6 mm across — about the size of a pencil eraser. While melanomas can be smaller, most are larger than 6 mm when first diagnosed. Any growth in size warrants evaluation.
Evolution
Any noted change in a mole — in size, shape, color, elevation — or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting. Evolution over time is one of the most important warning signs.
When in doubt, get it checked. If you notice a spot on your skin that concerns you, don't wait. Dr. Sergay can perform a thorough evaluation using dermoscopy and provide same-day biopsy if needed. Book an appointment today.
Are You at Risk?
Skin Cancer Risk Factors & Screening
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but certain factors increase your risk significantly. Understanding your risk is the first step toward proactive prevention and early detection.
UV Exposure
- History of excessive sun exposure
- Blistering sunburns, especially in childhood
- Indoor tanning bed use
- Living in a sunny or high-altitude climate
Skin Type & Physical Traits
- Fair skin, light eyes, and hair that burns easily
- Many moles (50+) or large moles
- Atypical (dysplastic) moles
- Freckles or sun sensitivity
Personal & Family History
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Family history of melanoma or skin cancer
- Previous atypical moles
- History of other cancers (e.g., breast, thyroid)
Immune & Medical Factors
- Weakened immune system
- Organ transplant recipients
- Long-term immunosuppressive medication
- HIV infection
Environmental Exposures
- Exposure to radiation
- Arsenic exposure
- Certain industrial chemicals
- Chronic skin inflammation or scars
Age & Gender
- Risk increases with age
- Men are more likely to develop BCC and SCC
- Melanoma rates rising in young women
- Lifetime cumulative sun exposure matters
Screening Recommendations
- Annual full-body skin exams starting at age 30, or earlier with risk factors
- Monthly self-skin checks using the ABCDE rule
- Prompt evaluation of any new, changing, or concerning spot
- More frequent check-ups if you have a history of skin cancer or atypical moles
Our Approach to Treatment
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
If skin cancer is identified, treatment options vary depending on the type, location, size, and your medical history. Dr. Sergay will always discuss the pros and cons of each approach with you.
Surgical Excision
Best for: BCC, SCC, Melanoma
The most common treatment for skin cancer. The tumor is surgically removed along with a margin of surrounding normal skin to ensure complete removal. Suitable for most BCCs, SCCs, and melanomas.
Electrodessication & Curettage (ED&C)
Best for: Low-risk BCC & SCC
The tumor is scraped away with a curette and the base is treated with an electric current to destroy remaining cancer cells. A quick, effective office procedure for low-risk, superficial skin cancers.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Best for: High-risk BCC & SCC, face/scalp
The gold standard for skin cancers in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas (face, eyelids, nose, ears). Skin is removed layer by layer and examined under a microscope until all cancer cells are cleared — achieving the highest cure rates with maximum tissue preservation.
Radiation Therapy
Best for: Inoperable or high-risk cases
Used when surgery isn't ideal — such as for elderly patients, large tumors, or cancers in areas difficult to surgically reconstruct. Radiation precisely targets and destroys cancer cells.
Topical Treatments
Best for: Superficial BCC, actinic keratoses
Topical medications such as imiquimod (Aldara) or 5-fluorouracil (Efudex) can be used to treat superficial BCCs and actinic keratoses (precancers) without surgery.
Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
Best for: Advanced or metastatic cases
For advanced melanoma or high-risk SCCs, systemic treatments including checkpoint inhibitors, BRAF/MEK inhibitors, and PD-1 inhibitors have revolutionized outcomes. Dr. Sergay coordinates care with oncology when systemic treatment is needed.
1 in 5
Americans develop skin cancer by age 70
99%
5-year survival if melanoma caught early
Same Day
Biopsy available at time of exam
Dermoscopy
Advanced technology for every exam
Common Questions
Skin Cancer FAQ
Early Detection Saves Lives
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening in Tampa
Don't wait to get that spot checked. Dr. Sergay uses dermoscopy technology for every exam, offers same-day biopsies, and provides expert care from screening through surgical treatment — all in one practice.