Dr. Bob Ling Hsia talks with a colleague

Jenny Sullivan Sanford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program

Skin cancer remains the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, with roughly one in five people developing it in their lifetime. MUSC Health's Jenny Sullivan Sanford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program is the only one of its kind in South Carolina. Our program, based on a multidisciplinary team approach, is committed to enhancing the care you receive for melanoma and other skin cancers.

Given the exceptional care we offer, our program has been designated a Melanoma Center of Excellence by the Melanoma Hope Network — one of the first 14 programs in the country to receive this designation.

We’re Here For You

At Hollings, we know a cancer diagnosis can be a life changing event. We are here to support you through your journey. Call 843-792-9300 and make an appointment. Experience what sets us apart.

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In good hands

You know you're in good hands at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Here, you have access to the latest innovations in cancer treatment, including clinical trials, advanced surgical techniques, support services and survivorship planning. You can rest easy knowing we hold national rankings for cancer care and take a leadership role in cancer research and prevention.

The Hollings difference

Treatment and Support

Dr. Milton Armstrong talks with two nurses

Our team of melanoma and skin cancer specialists bring you the latest, state-of-the-art technology to properly diagnose and treat your skin cancer. Our treatment options available to you include:

Early Diagnosis & Staging

  • Cancer resection surgery
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy – A minimally invasive technique to identify microscopic lymph node disease and direct further necessary therapy.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

This technique is used to minimize the amount of normal tissue excised at surgery while maximizing chances for clear margins. The technique is especially useful in treating pre-cancerous skin lesions, such as melanoma in-situ in the head and neck region.

T-VEC (Imlygic)

T-VEC (Imlygic) is a treatment which uses a virus to infect and kill cancer cells while avoiding healthy cells. This FDA-approved medication is for the treatment of advanced melanoma. T-VEC is injected directly into melanoma tumors to shrink or kill cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

Refer a skin cancer patient

To refer a skin cancer patient to Hollings, please call patient referral coordinator Tabitha Miller at 843-985-0584.

Nurse Navigator Support

Our melanoma and skin cancer nurse navigator, Melanie Wilson, RN, BSN, OCN, will help you understand what to expect during treatment and answer questions you may have.

The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Thanks to advancements in treatment, all three types of skin cancer are usually treatable if they are caught early. To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, limit your exposure to the sun, wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and pick out the right type of sunscreen.

Skin cancer doesn’t just impact the elderly — it is becoming more common among younger patients, too. It is recommended that you receive routine annual skin screenings by a trained dermatologist. Depending on your family and personal history of skin cancer, more regular screenings may be necessary.

Dr. Jen Wang stands in front of shelves of equipment in her lab

Our renowned team of researchers and doctors are constantly looking for ways to improve treatments and outcomes for skin cancer patients. This is largely made possible thanks to research and clinical trials.

Some recent research projects include:

As South Carolina’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Hollings offers you clinical trials and treatments that aren’t available anywhere else in the state. These opportunities provide you with access to the latest medications, therapies, and surgical techniques that can improve your outcomes. Learn more about clinical trials at Hollings and see our current melanoma and skin cancer clinical trials.

 

I am so grateful to the Hollings Cancer Center. The level of care I received from the people working there – especially Dr. Kaczmar – has been life-changing.

Tim Buikema, melanoma survivor

Tim's story
Tim Buikema

Cancer can feel like it’s taking over your body, but I was determined that it wasn’t going to take over my mind. It is important to believe in yourself and just take it one day at time, but it’s hard. It’s a long journey.

Donna Rosa, melanoma survivor

Donna's story
Donna Rosa sits in a golf cart with her grandchild on her lap

My advice now is don’t be afraid to upset that doctor to go get another opinion. If it’s a different answer, then you need to find out exactly what’s going on. That’s kind of what happened to me, and it ended up saving my life.

Hugh Royer, skin cancer survivor

Hugh's story
Hugh Royer

Melanoma & Skin Cancer Care Locations

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Downtown

86 Jonathan Lucas Street

Charleston, SC 29425

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

Hematology Oncology Florence

Florence Medical Center

Medical Mall A

805 Pamplico Highway

Suite: 315

Florence, SC 29505

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

Our program, based on a multidisciplinary team approach, is committed to enhancing the care of every melanoma and skin cancer patient.

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