Services Dermatology Medical Dermatology Skin Cancer & Screenings

Skin Cancer & Screenings

Hattiesburg Clinic encourages all of our patients to schedule regular skin screenings to ensure early detection and appropriate skin cancer treatment.

Skin Cancer Overview

At Hattiesburg Clinic, we strive to educate our patients on effective strategies for skin cancer prevention and treatment. We believe that the first line of defense against skin cancer lies in proactive prevention and regular skin screenings. By encouraging our patients to schedule routine screenings, we help monitor and catch any irregularities or spots before they become more serious concerns.

Why are skin screenings so important?
How often should I get screened for skin cancer?
What should I expect during a skin cancer screening?
Signs of Skin Cancer
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Treatment
What follow-up care is needed after skin cancer treatment?
Choose Hattiesburg Clinic for Skin Cancer Screenings and Treatment

Why are skin screenings so important?

Early detection is key when it comes to skin cancer. Regular skin cancer screenings play a vital role in identifying suspicious moles, lesions or changes in the skin that may indicate cancer. These screenings allow dermatologists to catch issues before they progress, offering patients the best chance for effective treatment and recovery.

Even if no visible signs of concern are present, a professional skin exam can help uncover early indicators that are easily overlooked. Screenings are especially important for individuals with a history of sun exposure, fair skin or a personal or family history of skin cancer. Prioritizing these exams is a simple but powerful step in protecting your health.

How often should I get screened for skin cancer?

For most adults, we recommend a full-body skin cancer screening once a year. However, if you have a history of skin cancer, have many moles or are at higher risk due to factors like excessive sun exposure, fair skin or family history of skin cancer, you may need more frequent screenings. Our providers can help establish a screening schedule that is right for you.

What should I expect during a skin cancer screening?

During a skin cancer screening, your dermatologist will conduct a thorough, head-to-toe examination of your skin. The goal is to identify any moles, growths or spots that appear unusual in shape, color, size or texture. Providers often use a tool called a dermatoscope, which magnifies and lights the skin to give a clearer view of specific lesions. This helps distinguish harmless spots from those that may require further evaluation.

If anything concerning is found, the provider may photograph the area for monitoring or perform a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of skin for laboratory analysis. The entire screening is typically quick and noninvasive, and it does not require any preparation. For patients with a history of skin cancer or other risk factors, these screenings may be recommended annually or more frequently.

Skin Cancer Signs

One of the most effective tools for recognizing potential skin cancer is the ABCDE rule. This simple guide outlines the key characteristics to look for when examining moles or spots on your skin. Paying attention to these changes can help detect melanoma early, when it is most treatable.

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other\
B – Border: Irregular, ragged, notched or blurred edges
C – Color: Color is not uniform and may include different shades of brown, black, pink, red, white or blue
D – Diameter: Spot is larger than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color or symptoms such as itching or tenderness

Types of Skin Cancer

Understanding the types of skin cancer can help patients better grasp the importance of prevention and early detection. The three most common types include:

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, basal cell carcinoma is typically slow-growing and less likely to metastasize. However, if left untreated, it can enlarge and penetrate deeper tissues such as cartilage, bone and muscle.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The second most common form, squamous cell carcinoma carries a higher risk of spreading and is more likely to appear in burn scars or areas exposed to chronic irritation.
Melanoma: Although less common, melanoma is the most dangerous type. It originates in melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) and can appear in a mole or other pigmented tissues. Melanoma requires immediate attention as it can spread more aggressively than other types.

Skin Cancer Treatment

If our providers identify an area of concern, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Because each case is unique, the treatment for skin cancer varies depending on the type of tumor, its location, size, depth and other factors.

Some of the treatment methods we offer include:

Cryosurgery: Freezing the cancer cells
Electrodesiccation and Curettage: Using electrical currents to scrape away cancerous cells
Photodynamic Therapy: Using light-based therapy to destroy abnormal cells
Topical Drugs: Application of chemotherapy or immune-boosting drugs to treat surface-level skin cancers
Surgical Excision: Removing the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal

Each patient is different, and the best treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs. Our team will walk you through the treatment options and make sure you are fully informed about the next steps.

What follow-up care is needed after skin cancer treatment?

After treatment, follow-up care is essential to ensure the cancer has been completely removed and to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

Patients will likely need:

Regular follow-up visits: Typically, every three to six months for the first few years, depending on the type of cancer and your overall risk
Self-examinations: Regularly check your skin for any new changes
Continued sun protection: Reducing future UV exposure is critical in preventing additional skin cancers

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic for Skin Cancer Screenings and Treatment

Do not wait until it is too late to take control of your skin health. Whether you are looking to establish a routine screening schedule, have concerns about a specific spot or need expert care after a skin cancer diagnosis, our team of dermatologists at Hattiesburg Clinic is here to help.