Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer, affecting one in five Americans during their lifetime. Because of this, dermatologists strongly urge people to receive regular skin checks.
That includes Dr. Holly Gunn, who provides comprehensive medical and cosmetic dermatologic care at two Gunn Dermatology locations in Mountain Brook — Crestline Village and Lane Parke. Dr. Gunn is passionate about skin cancer prevention and early detection.
“Everyone should be checked at least once a year,” Dr. Gunn says. “If patients have a history of skin cancer or multiple pre-cancers, I see them every three to six months.”
Gunn Dermatology patient Lindsey Abernathy recently learned firsthand the importance of routine skin exams. A retired registered nurse, Lindsey began seeing Dr. Gunn about a year ago after scheduling a cosmetic consultation.
“Dr. Gunn was very thorough and compassionate and spent a lot of time with me,” Lindsey says.
During that visit, Dr. Gunn noticed several pre-cancers on Lindsey’s face and recommended a full-body skin check — something Lindsey admits she had delayed.
“I knew I needed one, but I kept putting it off,” Lindsey says. “I hadn’t had a skin check in five years.”
Lindsey’s exam was performed by Ellen Simmons, PA-C, a physician assistant at Gunn Dermatology.
“I love working with patients and helping people,” Ellen says.
“Ellen was great,” Lindsey adds.
“When we do skin checks, we look for ‘ugly ducklings’ — spots that don’t match the rest of the skin,” Ellen explains. “I found one of those on Lindsey.”
“It was on my back, exactly where I wouldn’t have seen it,” Lindsey says.
The spot was biopsied, and Lindsey soon received a call from Dr. Amy Albert with the results.
“When she told me it was melanoma, my stomach dropped,” Lindsey recalls. “But she also said we caught it very early and scheduled surgery right away.”
Dr. James Libecco removed the melanoma with a wide excision.
“The procedure was much easier than I expected, and the recovery wasn’t bad at all,” Lindsey says. “Everyone put me at ease. I did have some incision issues afterward, but Ellen was incredibly helpful.”
“Everyone at Gunn Dermatology has been wonderful — compassionate and thorough,” Lindsey adds. “They genuinely care.”
Lindsey hopes her experience encourages others not to delay their skin exams.
“Skin checks can feel unimportant, and many people don’t realize how dangerous certain moles can be,” she says. “Dermatology isn’t just Botox and peels, as many people think.”
“Everyone should begin full-body skin checks in their early 20s,” Ellen says. “That includes all skin types and all ages.”
To learn more about Gunn Dermatology, call 205-415-7536 or visit gunndermatology.com.
