Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer type, accounting for 40% of all cases, and 1 in 5 Americans will get it during their lifetimes, so it’s no surprise that dermatologists urge us to get regular check-ups.
This includes Dr. Holly Gunn, a Mountain Brook resident who offers the finest full-body dermatological and cosmetic care at two locations of Gunn Dermatology in Crestline Village and Lane Parke. She’s also passionate about preventing skin cancer.
“Everyone should be checked at least once a year,” Dr. Gunn says. “If patients have a history of cancer or lots of pre-cancers, I see them every three to six months.”
Dr. Gunn and her staff always stay abreast of new technology, and they use it to make skin exams more pleasant. For example, when dermatologists remove a skin growth, they often need to have it biopsied. However, at Gunn Dermatology, “We don’t overuse biopsies,” Dr. Gunn says. “We’re really good at full-body photography and know if something was already on the patient’s skin.”
Gunn Dermatology doesn’t overuse liquid nitrogen to freeze lesions and often uses techniques like lasers and light therapy. “We bring in the healthy options so patients don’t get tired of the yearly visits,” Dr. Gunn says.
In about 2022, Dr. Gunn — inspired by a patient — adopted a new technology to make it easier to surgically remove certain types of skin cancers. She had referred this patient several times to have Mohs surgeries to remove skin cancers.
“I do my own skin cancer surgeries, but when they have cancer on their face, they may need MOHS surgery,” Dr. Gunn said. “The patient asked me, ‘Dr. Gunn, I’m so tired of getting cut on. Can you give me another option?’”
The only options she knew of had cure rates inferior to Mohs surgery. However, she had heard of GentleCure IGSRT, an image-guided superficial radiation therapy, and she did thorough research. “It’s a great alternative, especially for older patients who have numerous skin cancers, and are likely to get more, and no longer want surgery, and it has a 99% cure rate,” she says. “When we built out Lane Parke, we had enough space for this type of treatment, and it has been such a win for my patients.”
Melanomas must be removed surgically, and Dr. Gunn still refers some patients for Mohs surgery, but the new radiation treatment provides a non-surgical technique to remove basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
“We were one of the first practices in Birmingham to use it,” Dr. Gunn says. “We’re a thought leader because my patients motivate me to know I’m doing the best for them.”
Gunn Dermatology is also celebrating two personnel additions. Dr. James Libecco has over 20 years of experience and worked previously at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Amy Albert has nearly 20 years of experience in pediatrics and six years of experience in cosmetic injections.
Dr. Gunn and her staff recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of their opening in Crestline Village and will soon mark their third anniversary in Lane Parke.
“I’m so glad we picked Mountain Brook,” Dr. Gunn said. “I’m still in awe of the community and the support and love they’ve shared. Mountain Brookis awesome.”
