Skin Cancer Screening
in Wellesley, MA

We recommend annual skin cancer screenings for most adults in the Boston area. Patients with the following risk factors may benefit from more frequent monitoring:

• Fair or sun-sensitive skin
• History of blistering sunburns
• More than 50 moles
• Family history of melanoma
• Atypical (dysplastic) moles

High-risk patients may be advised to undergo screening more frequently

We understand that a full-body examination can feel vulnerable. Our process is designed to be respectful, thorough, and efficient.

Your visit begins with a discussion of personal and family history, sun exposure patterns, and specific concerns. After changing into a gown, your dermatologist performs a systematic head-to-toe evaluation, carefully examining commonly overlooked areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, and between the toes.

Education is central to every visit. We identify benign findings—such as seborrheic keratoses or sun spots—and guide you on what to monitor during self-examinations at home.

We encourage patients to monitor their own skin between visits. When evaluating moles, we assess for the ABCDE signs of melanoma:

• A – Asymmetry: One half does not match the other
• B – Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
• C – Color: Uneven coloration or multiple shades
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (though melanomas may be smaller)
• E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color

Any evolving or unusual lesion warrants evaluation.

When further evaluation is necessary, biopsies are performed in-office using precise, minimally invasive techniques:

• Shave Biopsy: Ideal for raised or superficial lesions. The top layer of skin is removed under local anesthesia. This method is quick and typically does not require sutures.
• Punch Biopsy: Used for flat or deeper lesions. A small circular instrument removes a full-thickness sample for accurate diagnosis and may require a stitch.
• Nail Avulsion Biopsy: Performed for concerning streaks or pigment changes within the nail. A portion of the nail plate is gently lifted under local anesthesia to evaluate the underlying tissue.

We frequently treat patients seeking mole removal for medical reasons, due to irritation or elective mole removal for cosmetic concerns. Regardless of indication, our approach prioritizes optimal healing and aesthetic outcome. Using meticulous surgical technique, we minimize wound tension and support smooth, natural-looking results.

When skin cancer is diagnosed, Premier Dermatology offers Mohs micrographic surgery in Wellesley—the gold standard treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

This highly specialized, tissue-sparing technique allows for precise cancer removal while preserving healthy surrounding skin. Each layer is examined under the microscope in real time, ensuring complete removal before reconstruction.

Mohs surgery provides the highest cure rates and optimal cosmetic outcomes, particularly for cancers on the face and other cosmetically sensitive areas.

Choosing Premier Dermatology means establishing a long-term medical home for your skin health. Our board-certified dermatologists go beyond isolated spot checks, creating a baseline that allows us to monitor changes over years.

Our practice bridges academic-level dermatology with personalized care. With advanced diagnostic tools and in-office surgical expertise, we provide seamless continuity—ensuring that if a diagnosis of skin cancer is made, your treatment plan is clear, efficient, and managed entirely by the team you trust.