Melanoma Specialist

Trevan Fischer, MD Our Services Melanoma
Trevan Fischer, MD - - Surgical Oncologist

Trevan Fischer, MD

Surgical Oncologist & General Surgeon located in Los Angeles, CA & Fullerton, CA

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but melanoma represents only about 1% of all skin cancer cases. Even though it is less common, melanoma deserves special attention because it can be aggressive and spread if not treated early. In 2025, it is estimated that more than 104,000 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed nationwide, highlighting the importance of regular skin checks and timely, multi-disciplinary care.

Having an experienced melanoma specialist makes a significant difference in both treatment and outcomes. By joining The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, Dr. Trevan Fischer brings his patients the benefits of a world-class cancer program that is consistently ranked among the nation’s best. Cedars-Sinai is recognized for its cutting-edge research, advanced technology, and innovative clinical trials, ensuring that patients have access to the most promising therapies and the highest standard of care close to home.

Dr. Fischer combines this leading-edge science with a compassionate, personalized approach, guiding patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with skill and understanding. He cares for patients in Santa Monica and throughout Southern California, including Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Fullerton, Orange, San Luis Obispo, and Palm Springs. 

To learn more about melanoma care or to schedule a visit with Dr. Fischer, call the office to request an appointment.

Melanoma

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes—the cells that give skin its color. While sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are major risk factors, melanoma can also occur in areas not typically exposed to the sun. It is more common in people with lighter skin but can affect individuals of any skin type.

Melanoma most often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the back, legs, face, and neck. However, it can also develop in less common places, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under fingernails and toenails—particularly in people with darker skin.

How is melanoma diagnosed?

Melanoma often begins as a new or changing mole. Since most people have many moles, it can be difficult to know which ones to worry about. A helpful tool is the ABCDE rule:

  • A – Asymmetry: one half looks different from the other

  • B – Border: edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred

  • C – Color: uneven shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue

  • D – Diameter: larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)

  • E – Evolving: changing in size, shape, or color over time

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to have the mole examined. Dr. Fischer can perform a biopsy, removing a small sample of tissue for testing.

If melanoma is confirmed, the next step is often a wide local excision, removing the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure it is fully cleared. In some cases, Dr. Fischer may also recommend a sentinel lymph node biopsy—a procedure that identifies and removes the first lymph node most likely to harbor cancer cells. If melanoma cells are found, it helps determine the stage of the disease and guides treatment planning.

How is melanoma treated?

Treatment depends on the stage and spread of the cancer. For early-stage melanoma, surgery alone may be enough. If the cancer has spread beyond the skin, Dr. Fischer works closely with a multidisciplinary oncology team at Cedars-Sinai to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include:

  • Additional surgery to remove affected lymph nodes

  • Immunotherapy to boost the body’s immune system against cancer

  • Targeted therapy to attack melanoma cells with specific mutations

  • Radiation therapy for select cases

  • Chemotherapy (used less commonly today, but still an option in some situations)

Next steps

If you are concerned about a suspicious mole or have been diagnosed with melanoma, Trevan Fischer, MD, offers expert, compassionate care supported by the advanced resources of The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate. To learn more about your options or to schedule an appointment, call the office or request a visit online.

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