The 20 Best Melanoma Doctors near Santa Cruz, CA

What is the definition of Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and develops in cells (melanocytes) that make the pigment (melanin) for skin color. Melanoma is characterized by an irregularly-shaped skin growth that can be a variety of colors, such as white, pink, red, brown, black, or blue, can develop from an existing mole that becomes cancerous, or can appear as a separate skin growth. There are three subtypes of melanoma: 1) acral lentiginous melanoma, 2) juvenile melanoma, and 3) malignant lentigo melanoma. While melanoma more frequently appears on skin (cutaneous melanoma) that is occasionally exposed to the sun, this cancer can also appear in other areas of the body that have little or no exposure to the sun (acral lentiginious melanoma), such as the scalp, palms, genitals, toes, and soles of the feet (hidden melanoma). More rarely, melanoma can also form in the eyes (ocular melanoma) or inside the nose or throat. While melanoma can appear at any age, it occurs more frequently in older people between the ages of 50 and 70 (malignant lentigo melanoma); however, the rates of melanoma have been increasing over the last thirty years, as well as appearing more frequently in young adults. Juvenile melanoma can be either a cancerous or non-cancerous form of melanoma and usually occurs before puberty. Melanoma tumors are more commonly found on the back in men and on the legs in women. While melanoma more commonly affects the outer layer of skin (epidermis), as the cancer grows, involving more layers of skin, it can also spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). Melanoma is classified by the following stages: Stage 0 (Melanoma in situ) – In this stage of melanoma, abnormal cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) are present in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and may become cancerous and spread (metastasize). Stage I (IA & IB) – In this stage of melanoma, the tumor is no larger than 1 millimeter thick, with or without a break in the skin (IA), or the tumor is more than 1, but not more than 2, millimeters thick, without a break in the skin (IB). Stage II (IIA, IIB, & IIC) – In this stage of melanoma, the tumor is no larger than 1, but not more than 2, millimeters thick, with a break in the skin, or the tumor is more than 2, but not more than 4, millimeters thick, without a break in the skin (IIA), or the tumor is more than 2, but not more than 4, millimeters thick, without a break in the skin (IIB), or the tumor is more than 4 millimeters thick, with a break in the skin (IIC). Stage III (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, & IIID) - In this stage of melanoma, the tumor is not larger than 1 millimeter thick, with a break in the skin, or not larger than 2 millimeters, without a break in the skin, and the cancer has spread to multiple lymph nodes, or it is unknown where the primary cancer began, or the cancer is found in 1 lymph node, and there is tumor spread (metastases) on or under the skin, or the tumor is no larger than 1 millimeter thick, with a break in the skin, or not larger than 2 millimeters thick, without a break in the skin, and one of the following has also been found: 1) the cancer has spread to 1-to-3 lymph nodes, or there are microscopic tumors or tumor spread (metastasis) on or under the skin, or the tumor is larger than 1, but not more than 2, millimeters thick, with a break in the skin, or larger than 2, but not more than 4, millimeters thick, without a break in the skin. Stage IV – In this stage melanoma, the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body, such as distant lymph nodes, soft tissue, muscle, the brain, spinal cord, lung, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and bone, and the cancer may have spread far from the primary tumor.

When should I see a Melanoma doctor near Santa Cruz, CA?

There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as:

Your primary care provider recommends it.

Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care.

Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.

You need specialized testing or procedures.

You want a second opinion.

What should I consider when choosing a Melanoma doctor near Santa Cruz, CA?

It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.

How do I find the best Melanoma doctor near Santa Cruz, CA?

You can find a Melanoma doctor in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

Melanoma doctor near New York, NY
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Melanoma doctor near San Jose, CA

How does MediFind rank Melanoma doctors near Santa Cruz, CA?

MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database.

What types of insurance are accepted by Melanoma doctors near Santa Cruz, CA?

Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network.

How can I book an appointment online with a Melanoma doctor near Santa Cruz, CA?

MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Melanoma doctor search results page.

Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Melanoma doctor?

Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.

How can I prepare for my appointment with a Melanoma doctor near Santa Cruz, CA?

Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items:

Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year)

Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see

Family history of disease

List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses

Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.

List of questions and concerns

Your insurance card

You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit.

What questions should I ask my Melanoma doctor?

Here are some sample questions:

Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated?

What symptoms or side effects should I watch for?

What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results?

Are there other specialists I need to see?

What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions?

How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Melanoma doctor may know about?

MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you.

MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand.

Can I filter my search to show male or female Melanoma doctors near Santa Cruz, CA?

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Melanoma doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers.

Can I filter my search to find a Melanoma doctor that offers video calls?

Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Melanoma doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls).

Reviewed on: 11/11/24

By: MediFind Medical Staff