The Spot
Physician-reviewed guides, research, and news on skin cancer and dermatologic care.
Plain-language explainers, graded by the evidence, on the conditions and treatments people search for most.
Latest
Melanoma
Melanoma is a family of skin cancers, from melanoma in situ (almost always curable) to invasive and advanced disease. This overview explains the types and stages so you can see where a diagnosis fits, then how treatment changes by stage.
Tyler Long, DO · August 4, 2026
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches from years of sun exposure. They are the most common precancer and a direct precursor to squamous cell carcinoma, so treating them is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer.
July 28, 2026
TreatmentPhotodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy uses a light-activated medicine to clear actinic keratoses and sun damage across a whole area at once. How it works, what to expect, and how well it works.
July 21, 2026
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Conditions
Melanoma
Melanoma is a family of skin cancers, from melanoma in situ (almost always curable) to invasive and advanced disease. This overview explains the types and stages so you can see where a diagnosis fits, then how treatment changes by stage.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches from years of sun exposure. They are the most common precancer and a direct precursor to squamous cell carcinoma, so treating them is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer.
Tyler Long, DO · Reviewed Jun 2026
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. Most are cured with surgery, but a higher-risk minority can spread, so risk and early treatment matter. What it looks like, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.
Tyler Long, DO · Reviewed Jun 2026
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. It grows slowly, rarely spreads, and is highly curable, especially when caught early. What it looks like, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.
Tyler Long, DO · Reviewed Jun 2026
Treatments
Prevention
Research & News
Skin Cancer in the 21st Century: Takeaways From Our VHA Talk
In June, Dr. Tyler Long, DO, spoke to about 250 Villages residents about catching skin cancer early. For everyone who couldn't make it, here are the key takeaways from the talk.
June 29, 2026
What a New Study Reveals About Skin Cancer in Older Floridians
A 2026 study tracked melanoma in older Floridians. The takeaway for anyone who retired here: the risk is real, steady, and largely preventable. Here's what it found.
June 29, 2026
Why Villages Residents Face a Higher Skin Cancer Risk
Florida's year-round sun is one of the great draws of life in The Villages. It's also why our patients here carry one of the highest skin cancer risks in the country. Here's what you need to know.
June 14, 2026
Skin Cancer Screening in The Villages, Florida
A full-body skin cancer screening is the simplest way to catch a problem early. Here's what a screening at SpotDoc in The Villages involves, who should have one, and how to book.
June 13, 2026
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