Diagnosing and Treating Skin Cancer in Marbella – Expert Care Under the Sun
When early detection meets precision treatment at Ocean Clinic Marbella
If you live under the Spanish sun or spend your holidays basking in it, chances are you’ve thought about sun damage—but how often do you actually check your skin?
Skin cancer is one of the most common and most treatable types of cancer—if caught early. That’s why Ocean Clinic Marbella offers expert-led skin cancer diagnosis and treatment right here on the Costa del Sol. Whether you’ve noticed a mole that’s changed shape or simply want reassurance that your skin is healthy, their dermatology team, led by Dr. Gabriela Casabona, is here to help.
The Reality of Skin Cancer in Sunny Climates
Southern Spain’s enviable weather is a major reason people move here—and why so many visitors return year after year. But with over 300 days of sunshine annually, the region also sees a high number of skin cancer cases.
Cumulative sun exposure—especially from childhood or past sunburns—can lead to DNA damage in skin cells. Over time, this damage can trigger abnormal cell growth, which may develop into:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – the most common type, often appearing as a pearly bump or scaly patch.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – a faster-growing cancer that may look like a crusted or ulcerated lesion.
Melanoma – the most serious, and potentially life-threatening if not detected early. It can arise in a new mole or an existing one that changes.
The good news? When detected early, skin cancers can be treated quickly and with minimal disruption.
What Happens During a Skin Cancer Check?
A skin check at Ocean Clinic Marbella starts with a full consultation. Dr. Gabriela Casabona or a member of her dermatology team will go over your medical history, ask about any changes you’ve noticed in your skin, and assess your personal risk factors.
Then comes the clinical skin examination—a top-to-toe visual assessment using a dermatoscope (a magnifying, polarized light device that reveals structures beneath the skin). This helps identify features that may signal a suspicious lesion.
If needed, an AI-Powered skin check (mole mapping) is offered as part of the diagnostic process, especially for those with numerous moles or past sun damage. The clinic uses advanced imaging to create a full photographic record of your skin, enabling precise monitoring over time.
When Is a Biopsy Needed?
If something looks irregular—a mole with uneven borders, an odd color, or rapid growth—Dr. Casabona may recommend a skin biopsy. This involves removing a small sample (or the whole lesion) under local anaesthetic, which is then sent to a specialist pathology lab.
It’s a quick, low-pain procedure, and results typically come back within a few days. If the biopsy confirms a skin cancer diagnosis, the clinic will guide you through the next steps with clarity and compassion.
Treatment Options at Ocean Clinic Marbella
Not all skin cancers are treated the same. Ocean Clinic offers tailored solutions depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer.
1. Surgical Excision
This is the most common and reliable method. The cancerous lesion is removed along with a small margin of healthy skin to ensure complete clearance. Dr. Casabona, who is not only a dermatologist but also an aesthetic skin surgeon, performs excisions with particular attention to minimizing scarring anywhere on the body.
2. Mohs Micrographic Surgery
For high-risk or facial skin cancers, Mohs surgery may be recommended. This ultra-precise technique removes cancer layer by layer, examining each under a microscope during the procedure. It offers the highest cure rate while preserving as much healthy skin as possible—ideal for delicate areas like the nose, lips, or around the eyes.
Dr. Casabona is one of the few dermatologic surgeons in Spain with experience in this method.
3. Non-Surgical Treatments
For early-stage or superficial cancers, options like cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), topical chemotherapy creams, or photodynamic therapy may be used. These methods are less invasive and typically reserved for non-melanoma skin cancers in low-risk areas.
The Importance of Follow-Up
Treatment doesn’t end with removal. Skin cancer survivors—especially those with a history of melanoma or multiple BCCs/SCCs—need ongoing monitoring.
Ocean Clinic creates a custom follow-up plan for every patient, which may include:
Mole mapping or AI powered digital imaging for tracking recurrence
Bi-annual or annual check-ups
Education on self-examination and sun protection
These check-ups are not just about prevention; they’re also about reassurance—knowing that any new concern will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
As important as treatment is the prevention of new lesions by treating the skin damage we cannot see with our own eyes. Ocean Clinic offers various treatments such as PDT (Photodynamic Therapy), Light PDT, and topical creams to be applied in cycles.
Why Choose Ocean Clinic Marbella?
What sets Ocean Clinic apart is the combination of technology, expertise, and a deep understanding of aesthetic outcomes. It’s not just about removing a cancerous lesion—it’s about doing it safely, effectively, and in a way that preserves your appearance and confidence.
Under the leadership of Dr. Gabriela Casabona, the clinic offers:
Specialist-led skin cancer diagnosis and surgery
Access to advanced techniques like Mohs micrographic surgery
On-site reconstruction for aesthetically sensitive areas
A multilingual, international-friendly clinical team
Discreet, central location in Marbella
Whether you're a resident of the Costa del Sol or a visitor who spends part of the year here, Ocean Clinic provides continuity of care in a setting that prioritizes your comfort and safety.
Your skin tells a story. Let the experts at Ocean Clinic Marbella help you protect it.
If you’ve spotted a new mole, a changing lesion, or anything that just doesn’t feel right—don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Casabona and her team, and take the first step toward peace of mind and long-term skin health.
