About Melanoma Treatment Services:
Most melanomas are found by patients or their partners first. Knowing what to look for, and having a dermatology team behind you, changes outcomes. At Charleston Dermatology, our physicians and providers perform thorough skin examinations using dermoscopy to evaluate suspicious moles, and biopsy anything concerning.
If melanoma is confirmed, the depth of the tumor guides the next steps, and we coordinate any additional care you need. Treatment plans are built around your diagnosis. Early melanomas are treated with surgical removal, often curative on its own.
Deeper tumors may involve lymph node evaluation and coordination with surgical and medical oncology. Early detection is everything with melanoma. Schedule a skin check—it’s a short appointment that can matter more than any other on your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, the cells that give skin its pigment. It often appears as a new dark spot or a changing mole — one that’s asymmetric, has irregular borders, contains multiple colors, is larger than a pencil eraser, or is evolving (the ABCDEs). It can appear anywhere, including areas that rarely see sun.
What causes melanoma?
Ultraviolet exposure from sun and tanning beds is the biggest controllable risk factor, especially intense, blistering sunburns. Risk also rises with fair skin, many moles or atypical moles, a family history of melanoma, and a weakened immune system. Even one indoor tanning session before age 35 significantly increases melanoma risk.
How is melanoma treated?
Treatment depends on how deep the melanoma has grown. Thin, early melanomas are removed surgically with a margin of healthy skin, and no further treatment is usually needed. Deeper melanomas may call for sentinel lymph node biopsy and, when needed, immunotherapy or targeted therapy managed with oncology. After any melanoma, lifelong skin checks are essential — and we’ll be with you for every one of them.