Skin Cancer & Skin Health
Skin Cancer & Skin Health
Skin cancer is by far one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, with one in five people developing it during their lifetime. As residents in the sunny state of South Carolina, Charleston area patients are particularly susceptible to prolonged UV exposure and subsequent higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the unusual growth of skin cells and usually develops on skin exposed to the sun. Although this is a common way cancer develops, you can also find cancer in areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Limit your risk of skin cancer by avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Wear sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun! Checking your skin regularly for suspicious changes will help detect skin cancer early. Early detection of skin cancer gives the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.
The three most common types of skin cancer we see are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. With annual skin screenings and preventive care, skin cancer is usually treatable if caught and diagnosed early.
At Sheperd Integrative Dermatology, our team of medical professionals has over 50 years of combined dermatology experience and brings our patients the latest, clinically-advanced technology to treat and diagnose more than 3,000 skin conditions from eczema and psoriasis to rashes, acne, and hair loss.
Sheperd Integrative Dermatology treats patients 13 years old and above.
Moles (Nevi)
Moles (nevi) frequently occur on the skin. Pigment-forming cells (melanocytes) cluster together to form these small, dark brown spots (melanocytes). Moles commonly appear during childhood and adolescence and may change or fade over time.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can occur when an overgrowth of abnormal skin cells begins to multiply rapidly. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma are the three most common types of skin cancer.