--- title: "Melanoma Treatment in Encino, CA" url: "https://bhskin.com/locations/encino/melanoma/" updated: "2026-05-14" --- # Melanoma Treatment in Encino, CA ## Melanoma Treatment in Encino, CA Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer — but it is also one of the most curable when detected early. At BHSkin Dermatology’s Encino office, Dr. Don Mehrabi brings rare depth of expertise to melanoma care: he has published peer-reviewed research on melanoma, holds a Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery Subspecialty Certification, and has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2017. If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma or have a concerning lesion, BHSkin Encino provides the expert, compassionate care you need. - Book In-Office Appointment — - Book Virtual Consultation — ![Mohs surgery has a 98-99% cure rate in early-stage melanoma](https://bhskin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Mohs-surgery-has-a-98-99-cure-rate-in-early-stage-melanoma-e1665404843503.jpg) ## Understanding Melanoma: Diagnosis and Early Detection Melanoma arises from melanocytes — the pigment-producing cells in the skin. It can develop within an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot on previously normal skin. While melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths due to its capacity to spread to other organs if not caught early. The five-year survival rate for melanoma detected at Stage I is approximately 98%. At Stage IV (with distant metastasis), survival rates drop dramatically. This is why early detection through annual skin exams — and prompt evaluation of any changing or suspicious lesion — is the most powerful tool against melanoma. ## Melanoma Warning Signs We Screen For - A — Asymmetry: one half of the mole does not match the other - B — Border: ragged, notched, or blurred edges - C — Color: multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within one lesion - D — Diameter: larger than 6mm (though early melanomas can be smaller) - E — Evolving: any mole changing in size, shape, color, or developing new symptoms - Amelanotic melanoma: a rare pink or flesh-colored form that lacks pigment — easily missed without dermoscopy - Nodular melanoma: fast-growing, dome-shaped lesion; may not follow ABCDE rules - Subungual melanoma: dark stripe appearing under a nail; often overlooked Our physicians are trained to detect early-stage melanoma using dermoscopy and the ABCDE criteria: ## Melanoma Treatment at BHSkin Encino Treatment depends on the melanoma’s stage, thickness (Breslow depth), and location: - Wide local excision — surgical removal with appropriate clear margins; the primary treatment for all melanoma stages - Sentinel lymph node biopsy — ordered in coordination with surgical oncology for melanomas with higher metastatic risk - Mohs surgery — used for melanoma in situ on cosmetically sensitive areas (Dr. Mehrabi is subspecialty-certified) - Coordination with oncology — for Stage III/IV melanoma requiring immunotherapy or targeted therapy - Close surveillance — regular full-body exams and monitoring of existing atypical moles post-diagnosis - Dermoscopic mapping — systematic documentation and monitoring of atypical nevi ## Why Choose BHSkin Encino for Melanoma Care When the diagnosis is melanoma, you want a physician with genuine depth of expertise — not just a generalist with basic training in skin cancer. - Dr. Mehrabi has published peer-reviewed research on second primary melanomas - Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery Subspecialty Certification — available at both Encino and Glendale - Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2017 - In-house biopsy capability — no delays waiting for outside referrals - Compassionate, thorough approach to what can be a frightening diagnosis - Coordination with oncology and surgical teams when needed Why BHSkin Encino ## Meet Your Encino Melanoma Physicians Dr. Don Mehrabi, MD, FAAD is BHSkin’s Mohs and skin cancer specialist. His academic work on melanoma and his subspecialty certification in micrographic surgery make him one of the most qualified physicians in the San Fernando Valley for melanoma diagnosis and surgical management. Dr. Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD provides meticulous melanoma screening and monitoring as part of her comprehensive dermatological practice at the Encino location. Together, they offer a formidable team for patients who need both screening excellence and surgical expertise in one practice. ## Serving Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana & the San Fernando Valley BHSkin Encino is at 16030 Ventura Blvd, Suite 140, Encino, CA 91436. We provide same-day melanoma consultations and ongoing surveillance for patients from across the Valley. If you have a concerning lesion or a recent melanoma diagnosis, please call us immediately — we will prioritize your appointment. (310) 205-3555 | Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM | Saturday appointments available **Frequently Asked Questions** ### How is melanoma diagnosed? Diagnosis begins with a clinical and dermoscopic examination. If a lesion is suspicious, a biopsy is performed in-office during the same visit. The tissue is sent to a specialized dermatopathology lab, with results typically returned within 1–2 weeks. A positive melanoma diagnosis triggers staging workup and treatment planning. ### What is the difference between melanoma and a suspicious mole? A suspicious mole (dysplastic nevus) is one with atypical features that increases your statistical risk for melanoma but is not cancer itself. Melanoma is confirmed by pathology showing malignant melanocyte cells. The distinction matters enormously for treatment: a dysplastic mole may only require monitoring or conservative re-excision, while melanoma requires surgical excision with specific margins based on Breslow depth. ### What happens after a melanoma is surgically removed? After wide local excision, a period of close surveillance begins. The frequency of follow-up exams depends on the stage and thickness of the melanoma. Patients with Stage IA melanoma may follow up every 6 months for 2 years then annually. Higher-stage melanomas require more intensive follow-up, potentially including imaging studies and oncology involvement. Dr. Mehrabi will outline your surveillance schedule clearly. ### Can melanoma run in families? Yes. Approximately 10% of melanoma cases occur in individuals with a family history of melanoma. Mutations in genes such as CDKN2A are associated with familial melanoma syndrome, which involves a significantly elevated lifetime risk. If multiple members of your family have had melanoma, Dr. Mehrabi will discuss genetic counseling and an intensive surveillance schedule. ## Melanoma Expertise Close to Home — Book in Encino. Early detection saves lives. BHSkin Encino offers same-day melanoma consultations with a physician who has published research on this disease. - Book In-Office Appointment — - Book Virtual Consultation — ## Visit Our Encino Office BHSkin Dermatology — Encino 16030 Ventura Blvd, Suite 140 Encino, CA 91436 (310) 205-3555 Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM | Sat 9AM–12PM [Get Directions →](https://g.page/BHSkin-Encino)