HomeLocationsGlendale, CAMelanoma Treatment in Glendale, CA

Melanoma Treatment in Glendale, CA

A melanoma diagnosis is one of the most alarming things a patient can hear. At BHSkin Dermatology in Glendale, Dr. Don Mehrabi brings extraordinary depth to melanoma care: he is a published melanoma researcher, a subspecialty-certified Mohs surgeon, and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor who has been caring for the Glendale community for over two decades. When it comes to the most serious form of skin cancer, you want a physician who has dedicated his career to understanding it.

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Mohs surgery has a 98-99% cure rate in early-stage melanoma

California's year-round sun exposure creates one of the highest cumulative UV radiation environments in the United States. UV exposure is the primary environmental risk factor for melanoma, which is why Southern Californians have among the highest rates of skin cancer in the country. Annual full-body skin exams are not optional for patients with significant sun exposure history — they are essential.

Dr. Mehrabi has seen how melanoma presentation varies — from the classic dark, asymmetric mole to amelanotic (non-pigmented) lesions that look nothing like what patients expect. This breadth of clinical experience makes him uniquely effective at early detection.

Superficial spreading melanoma — most common; grows horizontally before vertically; most detectable early

Nodular melanoma — grows rapidly and vertically from the start; may not follow ABCDE rules; most dangerous if missed

Lentigo maligna melanoma — develops from a lentigo maligna (Hutchinson’s freckle) on chronically sun-damaged skin; often on the face

Acral lentiginous melanoma — occurs on palms, soles, and under nails; more common in people of color; often diagnosed late

Amelanotic melanoma — lacks pigment; presents as a pink, red, or skin-colored lesion; easily mistaken for other conditions

Desmoplastic melanoma — rare, scar-like lesion; high local recurrence risk

Understanding the different types of melanoma helps patients know what to watch for:

Subtypes

Stage 0 (In Situ): melanoma confined to the epidermis; wide local excision is curative in nearly all cases
Stage I: thin melanoma (Breslow depth ≤1mm or ≤2mm without ulceration); excellent prognosis; wide excision standard
Stage II: thicker melanoma (≥2mm, or with ulceration); wide excision; sentinel lymph node biopsy may be recommended
Stage III: regional lymph node involvement; wide excision + lymph node surgery; adjuvant immunotherapy considered
Stage IV: distant metastasis; systemic immunotherapy (PD-1 inhibitors, CTLA-4 inhibitors) or targeted therapy (BRAF/MEK inhibitors)
Dr. Mehrabi coordinates care with oncology and surgical teams for Stages III–IV

Melanoma staging determines treatment approach and prognosis. BHSkin Glendale manages the full diagnostic workup and coordinates with oncology for advanced stages:

Staging

Dr. Don Mehrabi is one of the few community-based dermatologists in the area who has published peer-reviewed academic research on melanoma — specifically on second primary melanomas, which occur in patients who have already had one melanoma and face elevated risk of a second.

This research background means Dr. Mehrabi approaches melanoma surveillance with the rigor of an academic clinician — staying current with the evolving literature on detection, staging, and treatment, and applying that knowledge to every patient he sees. His Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition (2017–2026) reflects not just clinical excellence, but his standing among peers.

Research Background

Your Glendale Melanoma SpecialistMeet Dr. Don Mehrabi — Melanoma Researcher & Mohs Surgeon

Dr. Don Mehrabi is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and holds a Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery Subspecialty Certification. He has published peer-reviewed research on second primary melanomas and has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2017.

His combination of academic research, surgical subspecialty training, and over two decades of practice in the Glendale area positions him as one of the most qualified melanoma physicians available in the Greater Los Angeles region.

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Serving Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena & La Crescenta

BHSkin’s Glendale office at 1505 Wilson Terrace, Suite 240, Glendale, CA 91206 offers same-day melanoma consultations for patients throughout the region. We serve Burbank, La Crescenta, Montrose, Eagle Rock, and Pasadena. If you have a suspicious lesion or recent melanoma diagnosis, please call us immediately — we prioritize urgent skin cancer cases.

(310) 205-3555 | Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM | Saturday by appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Once melanoma is confirmed by biopsy, surgical treatment should not be delayed. Wide local excision is typically scheduled within 2–4 weeks of diagnosis. Thinner melanomas (Stage I) are not considered emergencies, but there is no benefit to delay. For rapidly growing lesions or nodular melanoma, earlier treatment is preferable. Dr. Mehrabi will prioritize your surgical scheduling once a diagnosis is confirmed.

Surgical margins are determined by Breslow thickness: 0.5cm for melanoma in situ; 1cm for tumors ≤1mm thick; 1–2cm for tumors 1–2mm thick; 2cm for tumors >2mm thick. These margins are based on evidence-based guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and are followed precisely at BHSkin.

Mohs surgery is used for certain types of melanoma — specifically lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma on the face or cosmetically sensitive areas, where preserving tissue is important. For invasive melanoma at other body sites, wide local excision with standard margins is the established approach. Dr. Mehrabi is subspecialty-certified in Mohs surgery and can discuss whether it is appropriate for your case.

Patients with a prior melanoma history are at significantly elevated risk for a second primary melanoma — particularly in the first 2 years following diagnosis. Most guidelines recommend full-body skin exams every 3–6 months for 2 years, then every 6–12 months thereafter, depending on the original stage and any new lesions of concern. Dr. Mehrabi tailors your surveillance schedule to your individual risk profile.

Facing a Melanoma Diagnosis? Book in Glendale with Dr. Mehrabi.

Expert melanoma care from a published researcher and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. BHSkin Glendale offers same-day consultations and subspecialty-level surgical expertise.

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