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When Should You Get a Skin Cancer Screening? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

skin cancer screening in Mount Pleasant SC

A skin cancer screening is worth scheduling when you notice a new, changing, bleeding, or unusual spot on your skin, or when it has been a while since your last professional skin check.

Living in Mount Pleasant means plenty of sun exposure, and that can add up over time. At Sheperd Integrative Dermatology, we see patients 13 and older for medical dermatology care, including skin cancer screenings, mole evaluations, treatment of precancerous lesions, and surgical removal of certain skin cancers.

When Is the Right Time to Get a Skin Cancer Screening? 

You should get a skin cancer screening if you notice a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, a spot that bleeds or crusts, or any skin growth that looks different from the rest. People with a history of skin cancer, many moles, frequent sun exposure, or a family history of melanoma may need routine screenings more often.

When A Skin Cancer Screening Makes The Most Sense

A skin cancer screening makes the most sense when there is a clear reason to check your skin more closely. That may be a new mole, a changing spot, or a personal history that puts you at higher risk.

Many patients schedule annual skin exams as part of their preventive care. Others come in sooner because something feels “off,” even if the spot does not hurt. That instinct is worth listening to. Skin cancer can show up quietly, and early evaluation gives your provider more information before a spot has time to change further.

A screening may be especially helpful if you:

  • Spend a lot of time outdoors
  • Have fair skin or burn easily
  • Used tanning beds in the past
  • Have many moles or unusual-looking moles
  • Have had skin cancer or precancerous lesions before

Sheperd Integrative Dermatology’s Skin Cancer & Skin Health service focuses on annual skin screenings, preventive care, moles, and evaluation of common skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Signs On Your Skin You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some skin changes deserve a closer look sooner rather than later. A spot does not need to be painful to matter. In fact, many suspicious spots start as something small that is easy to overlook.

Watch for moles or growths that change in size, shape, color, or texture. A sore that does not heal, a spot that keeps bleeding, or a scaly patch that returns after seeming to improve should also be checked.

The ABCDE guide can help with a basic mole check at home:

  • Asymmetry: one half does not match the other
  • Border: edges look uneven, blurred, or irregular
  • Color: multiple shades or unusual colors appear
  • Diameter: the spot is larger than a pencil eraser
  • Evolving: the spot changes over time

The “E” is often the most useful part. If a mole or spot is changing, it is time to have it examined.

How Often You Should Get Checked Based On Risk Level

There is no single schedule that fits every patient. For many adults, a yearly skin exam may be recommended, especially in sunny areas like coastal South Carolina. Patients with higher risk may need more frequent visits based on their medical history and the provider’s recommendation.

You may need closer monitoring if you have had skin cancer before, have a strong family history of melanoma, take medications that affect the immune system, or have significant sun damage. People with many moles may also benefit from routine monitoring so changes are easier to spot over time.

At-home checks are still useful between visits. Look at areas that get a lot of sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, and legs. Also check places that are easy to miss, including the backs of the feet, between the toes, and under the nails.

What To Do If You Notice A Suspicious Spot Before Your Appointment

If you find a spot that concerns you, do not wait several months hoping it will go away. Call and explain what you are seeing, especially if it is changing, bleeding, crusting, or not healing.

Taking a clear photo can help you track changes while waiting for your visit. Try to photograph the spot in good lighting and include something for scale, like a ruler. Avoid picking at the area, since irritation can make it harder to evaluate.

A suspicious spot may need a closer exam, monitoring, or biopsy. Your provider can walk you through the next step based on the area’s appearance and your risk factors.

Why Early Detection Can Change Treatment Outcomes

Early skin cancer detection matters because many skin cancers are easier to treat when detected sooner. A small, early lesion may require less involved care than one that has grown deeper or wider.

Sheperd Integrative Dermatology provides skin cancer screenings treatment of precancerous lesions, and surgical removal of skin cancers when appropriate. The goal is to identify concerning changes early, explain what they mean, and help patients feel informed about their options.

A screening can also catch precancerous spots before they progress. That is one reason routine exams are valuable even when you do not have a specific concern.

What Happens During A Skin Cancer Screening

During a screening, your provider examines your skin for suspicious moles, growths, lesions, or areas of sun damage. You may be asked about your history of sunburns, tanning bed use, family history, and any spots you have noticed changing.

If something needs closer evaluation, your provider may recommend monitoring it, treating a precancerous area, or performing a biopsy. A biopsy means taking a small sample to be checked more carefully.

Patients sometimes feel nervous before a skin exam, especially when they have found a spot that worries them. That is completely understandable. The visit is meant to give you clarity, not make you feel rushed or judged.

Feel More Certain About The Skin You’re In

A changing mole, a sore that does not heal, or a spot that looks different from the rest deserves attention. Routine screening can also help catch skin cancer and precancerous changes earlier, especially for patients at higher risk. At Sheperd Integrative Dermatology, we provide skin cancer screenings, mole evaluations, treatment of precancerous lesions, and surgical removal of certain skin cancers when needed. Book your skin check today.

To schedule a skin cancer screening with Sheperd Integrative Dermatology in Mount Pleasant, contact us and request an appointment for a skin check.

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Bella

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Carter Hebel

MD

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A South Carolina native, Dr. Carter Hebel attended Clemson University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors in biomedical engineering. She then continued her education at the Medical University of South Carolina as a medical student and then Dermatology Resident. During her time at MUSC, she was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society, and was named Chief Resident of MUSC’s Dermatology Department

Dr. Hebel believes that diseases of the skin deserve the same thoughtful, diligent treatment as diseases in any other part of the body. She supports patients in feeling beautiful, confident, and healthy in their skin, recognizing that skin health is an essential aspect of total well-being.

Dr. Hebel treats a full range of skin conditions, including skin cancers, autoimmune diseases, acne, rosacea, hair loss, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, nail problems, skin cancer and hidradenitis suppurativa. And of course, Dr. Hebel will offer her aesthetic skills to patients through neurotoxins, fillers, lasers and medical grade skincare!

Dana Aman

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Board Certified Physician Assistant

Dana is a board-certified Physician Assistant with Sheperd Integrative Dermatology.  Originally from Florida, Dana obtained her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and then went on to earn a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from North Greenville University in Greenville, South Carolina.  After obtaining her advanced degree, Dana completed a rigorous 6-month dermatology training program in California as well as a Diplomate Fellowship with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.  After three years of specialized clinical dermatology practice in California, Dana moved to Charleston in 2023.  Dana’s patient care philosophy centers around active listening and shared decision-making. She believes that every patient should be an active participant in their healthcare journey and looks forward to establishing positive patient relationships at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology. 

Amy Jetter

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Melissa Mancuso

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Melissa has six years of experience in body contouring, beginning with her role as the CoolSculpting representative for Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Since joining the Sheperd team, she has received additional training and now offers chemical peels, Vivace micro-needling, and Diamond Glow dermal infusion. She loves helping patients feel good about their bodies and teaching them about how the various cosmetic procedures can help them achieve the results they are seeking.

Margaret Gierhart

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Madeline Anderson

PA-C

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AnnaKathryn completed her Doctorate degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and has seven years of experience in dermatology. She has completed additional training in medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and functional medicine. She provides skin cancer screenings, surgical removal of skin cancers, treatment of precancerous lesions, extractions of cysts, and the treatment of acne. In the cosmetic domain, she provides laser, filler, and neurotoxin treatments. Certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine, AnnaKathryn has a special focus on wellness, including weight loss and diet consulting. She uses her expertise in this field to create an individualized program to help each of her patients achieve optimal wellness supporting them in maintaining vibrancy and vitality throughout their lifespan.

Allyson Harrell Garrison

PA-C

Ally is a board-certified Physician Assistant and a Diplomate of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, their highest rating. She is a graduate of Clemson University and earned her Master’s degree in Physicians Assistant studies at the University of South Alabama; additionally, she completed a dermatology fellowship at Charlotte Dermatology in North Carolina. For more than ten years, her focus on both medical and surgical dermatology has included identifying and treating skin cancers as well as managing biologic medications for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Ally has a strong love of surgical dermatology and she performs surgeries every day in the clinic, including excisions of cysts and skin cancers. She also loves the challenge of a difficult case! On the cosmetic side, Ally is a skilled injector of both Botox and Dysport. She sees compassion and empathy as vital qualities that she brings to all her patient interactions. She is mindful that skin cancer screenings can be frightening or overwhelming; her warm, calm manner and her focus on patient education throughout each appointment make her an outstanding clinician.

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