Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer Screenings

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?
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

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, a health care provider will examine your skin from head to toe, checking for any unusual moles, lesions or growths. The exam is non-invasive and typically only takes about 15-20 minutes. If the provider finds any suspicious areas, they may recommend a biopsy to confirm whether it is cancerous.

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, 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.
Electrodessication 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 3-6 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 are here to help.

Skin Cancer & Screenings