Skin Lesions and Skin Cancer: When to Get Evaluated

Introduction

Changes in the skin are incredibly common, especially as we age—but not all skin lesions are harmless. Moles, sunspots, growths, and discolorations can appear gradually or suddenly, sometimes raising concern about skin cancer. Early detection is critical, because most skin cancers are highly treatable when identified at the earliest stages.

At Elite Internal Medicine, Dr. Scott Clemens provides a comprehensive and practical approach to evaluating skin changes. With extended concierge visits, patients have the time for thorough skin examinations, detailed risk assessments, discussion about skin care/protection, and direct communication if a new lesion appears. Whether you’re monitoring a long-standing mole or noticing new changes after years in the Colorado sun, personalized care ensures nothing is overlooked.

What It Is / Why It Matters

Skin lesions include any abnormal growth, discoloration, or texture change on the skin. While many are benign—such as seborrheic keratoses, lipomas, or simple moles—others may represent precancerous or cancerous changes.

Common forms of skin cancer include:

Skin cancer rates continue to rise nationwide. Colorado’s higher altitude and increased UV exposure elevate risk even more. Changes in a mole’s shape, size, or color and a lesion that exhibits itching, bleeding or never seems to heal should always be evaluated promptly.

How It’s Diagnosed and Evaluated

A careful, structured evaluation is the cornerstone of early detection. During a skin-focused visit, Dr. Clemens assesses:

Diagnosis may include:

Treatment and Lifestyle Guidance

Treatment depends on the type of lesion and whether it’s benign, precancerous, or cancerous. Options may include:

Lifestyle and prevention are equally important:

Concierge care supports proactive prevention. Patients can schedule longer visits for thorough skin reviews, get reminders for follow-up checks, and receive quick guidance when new concerns arise.

Dr. Clemens’ Concierge Approach

Skin health is best protected through regular surveillance and early intervention. In a traditional medical setting, rushed appointments often leave little time for a full skin exam or detailed discussion. Concierge medicine changes that. Dr. Clemens provides ample time during each visit to examine lesions carefully, discuss risk factors, and answer questions. Patients can message photos of new changes directly, schedule same-day concerns, and receive continuous monitoring over time. This close partnership empowers patients to catch problems early—long before they become dangerous. For patients in the Denver suburbs who spend significant time outdoors, a concierge approach ensures that sun-related risks are identified and managed with precision and peace of mind.

Don't wait

If you’ve noticed a new lesion, a changing mole, or a spot that doesn’t look right, schedule a visit with Dr. Clemens. Early evaluation is the key to protecting your long-term skin health.a