Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and early evaluation and treatment are important when a suspicious skin lesion is identified. Skin cancer can develop on any area of the skin, including areas that receive little or no sun exposure.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and treatment for skin cancer in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes evaluates suspicious lesions based on their appearance, location, history, and individual characteristics to determine whether biopsy, treatment, or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Consultation
Skin cancer evaluations and procedures are scheduled by phone.
Call: 202-737-6800Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow in an uncontrolled way.
There are several types of skin cancer, with the most common being:
Other, less common types of skin cancer can also occur.
Although many skin growths are benign, a new, changing, bleeding, or otherwise unusual lesion should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
The development of skin cancer can be influenced by several factors.
Risk factors may include:
However, skin cancer can occur in people of all skin tones and may develop in areas that are not regularly exposed to the sun.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.
It may appear as:
Basal cell carcinoma typically grows slowly but can cause local tissue damage if left untreated.
Squamous cell carcinoma develops from abnormal squamous cells in the skin.
It may appear as:
Squamous cell carcinoma can sometimes grow more aggressively than basal cell carcinoma and should be evaluated promptly.
Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment.
It may appear as a new mole or as a change in an existing mole.
Warning signs may include:
Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, making early diagnosis particularly important.
Skin cancer can look different from one person to another.
A suspicious lesion may appear as:
Not every unusual-looking lesion is skin cancer.
A dermatologist can evaluate the lesion and determine whether further testing is appropriate.
Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones.
However, some skin cancers may be diagnosed later in people with darker skin because changes can be less obvious or may occur in areas that receive less sun exposure.
Melanoma, for example, can develop on the:
Dr. Holmes has a focus on skin of color and considers individual pigmentation and skin characteristics when evaluating suspicious lesions.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Consider scheduling a skin evaluation if you notice a lesion that:
If you are concerned about a particular lesion, it is better to have it evaluated rather than attempting to diagnose it yourself.
A dermatologist begins with a careful examination of the skin and suspicious lesion.
Dr. Holmes may consider:
If a lesion appears suspicious or the diagnosis is uncertain, a skin biopsy may be recommended.
During a biopsy, a small sample or the entire lesion may be removed and submitted for microscopic examination.
The pathology results help determine whether the lesion is:
A biopsy does not necessarily mean that a lesion is cancerous. It is a diagnostic procedure used to determine what a lesion is.
If a biopsy confirms skin cancer, the appropriate treatment depends on the:
Dr. Holmes will discuss the appropriate next step based on the diagnosis.
Some skin cancers can be treated with removal of the cancerous tissue, while others may require referral for specialized treatment.
Treatment depends on the type and characteristics of the skin cancer.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
The appropriate treatment is determined after evaluation and, when necessary, pathology.
For certain skin cancers, surgical removal may be appropriate.
The goal is to remove the cancerous tissue while addressing the surrounding skin as appropriate.
The type and extent of surgery depend on:
Dr. Holmes will discuss the recommended procedure and whether additional specialized care is necessary.
Any procedure that removes skin can result in some degree of scarring.
The final appearance of a scar depends on factors such as:
Dr. Holmes considers these factors when planning treatment and discussing expected healing.
Skin of color requires thoughtful consideration during skin cancer evaluation and treatment.
Following a biopsy or surgical procedure, patients may experience temporary or persistent changes in pigmentation.
The treated area may become:
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers individual pigmentation and healing characteristics when evaluating lesions and planning treatment.
Some skin cancers can recur after treatment.
Having one skin cancer can also increase the risk of developing another skin cancer in the future.
For this reason, patients with a history of skin cancer may benefit from regular dermatologic examinations and ongoing monitoring.
Dr. Holmes can recommend an appropriate follow-up schedule based on your individual history.
Not all skin cancers can be prevented, but reducing UV exposure can help lower risk.
Helpful measures include:
Sun protection is important for people of every skin tone.
Some skin changes are not yet cancer but may have the potential to develop into skin cancer.
One example is actinic keratosis, a rough, scaly lesion associated with cumulative sun exposure.
A dermatologist can determine whether a lesion is:
Early evaluation can help determine whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate.
Not every unusual skin growth is cancer.
Other conditions can resemble skin cancer, including:
Because some benign and malignant lesions can look similar, professional evaluation is important when a lesion is new or changing.
Learn more about Growth Evaluation & Removal →
Click on a question to reveal the answer:
Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Comprehensive Skin Cancer Evaluation
of suspicious and changing skin lesions
Individualized Treatment Planning
based on the type, location, and characteristics of each lesion
Experience With All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Attention to Healing and Pigmentation
with consideration for individual skin characteristics
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for suspicious skin lesions, skin cancer, and other dermatologic concerns.
Dr. Holmes considers the appearance, location, characteristics, pathology findings, and individual circumstances of each lesion when determining whether treatment, monitoring, or referral may be appropriate.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating suspicious lesions and planning treatment.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a new, changing, bleeding, growing, or otherwise concerning skin lesion, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether a biopsy, treatment, monitoring, or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Consultation in Washington, DC
